Lions defense shows championship quality with another stout performance

The Detroit Lions can beat teams a multitude of ways, but it's been a while since anyone could proclaim their defense was good enough to win a game by themselves. On Sunday, they proved that to be true.

After piling up the offense against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Lions went back on the road and had to grind out a win against the Indianapolis Colts. Though they were shorthanded, going into and during the game, Detroit did not yield a touchdown for the second straight game as part of dominating a 24-6 victory. It's the first time since 1999 the franchise has not allowed a touchdown in consecutive games.

Afterward, Dan Campbell deferred to Detroit's defense when asked to break down the effort, citing their ability to keep Indianapolis' offense out of the game.

"I would highlight our defense first, Campbell said. "I mean, this is nine quarters without allowing a touchdown, last three games in the second-half, we're not allowing (a touchdown). We talk all the time about limiting points, playing (a) physical style, shutting down the run. We were able to do that. We knew Jonathan Taylor was was going to be the guy we needed to shut down. We did that. The quarterback runs, they got us on a couple, but overall we did what we needed and we kept them out of that game."

So often, as offense comes and goes, teams with a consistent defense are ones who find postseason success. Last season, the Lions didn't have as solid of a defense and nearly went to the Super Bowl.

Dan Campbell credits stingy Detroit Lions' red zone defense for stepping up

It's not as if the opposition hasn't periodically driven on the Lions the last two weeks, but as soon as they cross the 50-yard line they get shut down. The Lions' red zone defense has been outstanding this year, and is a big reason for their success.

Campbell explained that it is a major focus for the Lions to have a defense that can shut out the opposition, and it's something which is consciously coached and preached by the staff.

"That goes into what we do. Aaron Glenn, every week, the plan is good. It something we talk about. It's something we preach, Campbell said. "We know it's got to be part of our DNA. No different than stopping the run is not allowing points, which means you better be good in the red zone so I think it's all encompassing. Coaches do a great job, and then our guys are just taking it to heart and we're applying pressure."

The Lions have won all kinds of games this season, but for the first time since Week 3 they showed they can win on the strength of their defense. It was an important development as the season shifts to crunch time.