Two is a trend, three is a streak.
The Detroit Lions’ defense is officially on a streak of good performances after their 19-9 win over the Miami Dolphins Sunday. They’ve officially held their opponents to under 20 points in three straight games, at an average of 13.6 points per contest.
It’s looking like time for general manager Brad Holmes to make a move. It is quite literally now or never. The trade deadline is at 4 p.m. ET. Cornerback and linebacker look like obvious places to start.
Lions' defense has to get stronger by deadline
You’d be forgiven for thinking this unit was a lost cause about a month ago. Following their loss to the Carolina Panthers in early October, the Lions were allowing the most yards and points per game in the entire NFL. After the ongoing four-game winning streak that’s followed that loss, they’re now 27th and 16th in those respective categories.
So, still not great, sure. But this defense has shown signs of being workable in a way that it simply had not in the first four games of the season.
“When you look out there, it's about, ‘Is there a piece that could help upgrade us? Is there really, and what is it going to cost you?” head coach Dan Campbell said. “But also, the depth is important too… It's got to be something we feel like, it can help us or it gives us significant depth.”
The Lions’ defense picked a good time to find a pulse. Detroit is now 6-2, still just third place in one of the most competitive divisions we’ve ever seen. The offense is in top form, ranking top 5 in the NFL in yards and points per game, and sixth in EPA per play.
Plus, Detroit’s pass rush has been awesome. The Lions’ 27 sacks are second in the NFL behind only the Houston Texans. Aidan Hutchinson is the headliner, but edge DJ Wonnum has been a great signing, defensive tackle Alim McNeill is having a post-injury resurgence and rookie Derrick Moore just had two sacks against Miami.
Do-it-all defensive back Brian Branch’s return rejuvenated the defense in Detroit’s win over the Green Bay Packers, but the energy was short-lived. Linebacker Jack Campbell’s horrifying neck injury the following week against the Minnesota Vikings was a sobering shockwave.
It has forced this team to lean on each other as they grapple with the nightmarish side of the game they love. The Lions may be drawing their strength from one another right now, but that doesn’t mean they can’t use some reinforcements.
D.J. Reed played his best two games of the season in wins over Minnesota and Green Bay, but missed the Miami game with an injury and may be out for a bit longer.
Even if he isn’t, the Lions would be wise to add another starting-caliber player to the room. Reed has been inconsistent this season, and Detroit’s revolving of No. 2 corners (Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Roger McCreary, Rock Ya-Sin) have not played well this season.
And while Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez and Trevor Nowaske are solid players, Detroit could use another guy to fortify the middle of the field with Jack Campbell’s absence.
Detroit cannot simply trust that its current defense is good enough to make a Super Bowl run in its current form just off the last few performances. These last three games should inform their aggressiveness at the deadline, not prevent it.
There’s something here, but only if you build on it. Kerby Joseph’s return from injury could help considerably, but we should only believe he’s back when we see it.
READ MORE: Lions address safety depth with Andre Cisco as Kerby Joseph works back
The Lions already got started Monday by acquiring safety Andre Cisco from the New York Jets for a 2028 sixth round pick. That cannot be their only move.
Campbell was asked if the team had another move coming for Tuesday.
“I don't know. Brad (Holmes) hasn’t stopped,” Campbell said. “Anything can happen, but I don't know. We'll see.”
We saw the Jacksonville Jaguars part with a first round pick and two second rounders combined to acquire safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle Jordan Davis Monday. That may take the cake for going “all-in.”
Still, the Lions should absolutely be willing to deal with at least a Day 2 pick or two in order to add a real impact player to this defense. If Holmes was willing to trade two third round picks for No. 3 wide receiver and No. 6 option in the offense Isaac TeSlaa, he should have no problem moving significant capital for proven defensive players.
The Lions have a good team. It takes a great one to make the NFC playoffs this year, and an elite one to win the NFC North. Tuesday is their last chance to make that happen this season.
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