How changes on the Lions defense can lead to more wins

Part II – Rushing schemes

Flowers said that the Lions weren’t doing a good job of forcing teams in to pass rush situations. Going back to all five our their games, there is some truth to this.

Against the Green Bay Packers, they were only able to get them in a “third and long” situation five times. When playing the New Orleans Saints, that number drops to four.

Both of those games were embarrassing losses. Matched up with the Arizona Cardinals and Jaguars, which were wins, it moves up to eight. Three more long distance situations might not seem as that much of a difference, but it is.

There is a much higher chance of getting your defense off the field in those situations. Also, the Lions were much more effective in their rushing schemes.

The Lions ran much more stunts and blitzes last week. For once, it wasn’t hard to find them scheming pressure. You also see a different defensive front, they take out all of their defensive tackles and opt for edge rushers instead.

Detroit also ran more zone coverage this past week, at the highest rate this season in fact. It was the same scheme, but with multiple looks and better coaching.