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Detroit Lions: Is it possible the defense will be ahead of the offense?

By Robert Jones

Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara grabs the face mask of Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky during the second half at Ford Field, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020.
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara grabs the face mask of Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky during the second half at Ford Field, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020. /
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Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions (Photo by DetroitFreePress Syndication)
Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions (Photo by DetroitFreePress Syndication) /

Questions surround the Lions offense

After the offseason moves that Holmes and Campbell made, it seemed a foregone conclusion that the improved offensive line would pave the way for the Lions’ new one-two punch of D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams creating a rushing attack to help control games and the clock.

Then of course was the trade of Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles for draft capital, but the Lions still managed to get a serviceable quarterback in the deal in Jared Goff. Is he the long-term answer? I know most of the fans believe he isn’t, but he has won in the NFL and even was a key contributor to the Rams run to Super Bowl LIII.

Now outside of tight end T.J. Hockenson and the backfield duo of Swift and Williams, Goff is a little light on proven receiving talent, but all things considered, the offense should be a strength compared to the abysmal defense Campbell inherited, right?

Maybe not.

There is really very little that can be taken out of the preseason, but overall the Lions did struggle to run the ball consistently well. Considering that there were backs that did turn heads the finger has to be pointed at the offensive line.

Again, it was the exhibition season and the starters played very little outside Penei Sewell who Campbell wanted to get reps for and Sewell did struggle, but when you consider he’s 20, didn’t play last year and has been moved to a new position, that shouldn’t be a surprise.

I have no doubt that given some playing time, Sewell will develop just fine. However, the continuity of the offensive line is also a work in progress and that could keep the offense from reaching its potential until well into the season.

Meanwhile, the passing game is the real question mark on offense. After two turnover plagued years, Goff has to prove he has righted his ship and the receivers simply have to be at least serviceable if not decent.

Yet even with the questions on offense, is it really possible that the defense could be the Lions’ strength?

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