Detroit Lions bye week report card: Grading the first five weeks

Coaching Staff: 2.5/5 stars

As mentioned earlier that Ben Johnson’s play-calling has been really good so far. Part of that is his creativity, with how he has effectively schemed-up touches . St. Brown as an example from the Commanders game, went in motion as often as possible in the first half until the Commanders stopped reacting to it. Then, when the Lions needed a big play, Johnson dialed up a jet sweep to St. Brown on the motion and it popped for 58 yards. It’s that type of design that has been all over the offensive blueprint, and led to a lot of success.

Aaron Glenn on the other hand, the issues with his defense have been beaten to death at this point. It was made most evident after the Week 4 loss to Seattle what the issues with the defense were, and now he and Dan Campbell have committed to making changes over the bye week.

As for Campbell in particular, the same talking points are present that have been made since last year. A fiery coach that is a great leader whom the players’ respect and love to play for. He’s also aggressive, almost to a fault, but he will do whatever he deems necessary to try and win. Ultimately any questions that small sections of the fanbase have had over his job security are completely ridiculous. This is year two of a full rebuild, and he’s an inexperienced head coach who is learning how to win–just like the players and his coaching staff.

Lions play of the season so far: D’Andre Swift’s 22-yard touchdown reception vs Washington in Week 2

This play is still incredible to watch weeks after the fact. Swift was playing on a bad ankle in this game, which resulted in him being on a snap count. One of the few touches he had came on this play. Third-and-long, amnd the Lions were losing momentum quickly as the Commanders were mounting a comeback. As Goff came under pressure he checked down to Swift, but the ball was batted at the line. Swift was able to catch the pass but he fell to the ground to do  it. After that, untouched of course, he got up and showed just how special he can be with the ball in space.

Final thoughts: 

The opening five games were viewed as a somewhat soft opening for the 2022 season for the Lions, with two or even three wins possible. That obviously did not happen, so now it’s up to the Lions to make up for it in other areas before yet another season is lost.