The Detroit Lions didn't strike on a huge deal before the trade deadline, and their minor move netted them backup safety Andre Cisco, who could figure in as a key depth piece down the stretch for a contender.
While most fans were clamoring for the Lions to make an impact trade at cornerback, nobody moved at that position ahead of the 4 p.m. deadline. In addition, none of Detroit's key rivals loaded up on the offensive side of the ball to counter that inactivity.
Entering the week, there was an expectation that the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings would be shopping for a running back. The biggest prize of the group was Jonathan Taylor, but others like Tony Pollard were expected to generate interest if not be moved.
Taylor stuck with the Indianapolis Colts, and in spite of having a relative fire sale otherwise, Pollard was not dealt by the Tennessee Titans. As much as folks want to harp on Brad Holmes for missing out on adding another defender, the rival fanbases should be just as frustrated at the inactivity at running back.
If the Packers were missing anything offensively, an elite running back could be seen as the missing piece. With Josh Jacobs now nursing an injured finger for a few weeks and also facing legal issues, there's a big question about Green Bay being able to run the ball at all moving forward.
Minnesota, on the other hand, is completely adrift offensively. Not only do they have a major issue at quarerback, but their ground game has represented a hole at times this year. A bigger ticket move could have helped elevate one of the worst offenses in the league.
None of those things happened, which means the balance of power didn't dramatically shift on the offensive side of the ball. On another deadline day of frustration in-house for Detroit, that emerges as a major net positive.
Lions still have arguably the most dangerous offense in NFC North
While the Packers and Chicago Bears certainly have a case to this title, neither team has been consistent this season on the offensive side of the ball. Sometimes, they look explosive. Other games, they struggle in a major way. The Vikings are simply looking for quarterback stability with the addition of Kirk Cousins.
READ MORE: Lions will wonder 'what if?' for another season with quiet trade deadline
Given the fact that the Lions already have a potential Offensive Player of the Year in Jahmyr Gibbs, an elite quarterback in Jared Goff and a trio of solid wideouts along with tight end Sam LaPorta, it's hard not to call them the most balanced offense in the division. That didn't change as a result of any move.
The fact that nobody upgraded their offense otherwise is a huge win for the Lions defensively as well. At this point, that side of the ball is looking stronger as the season goes on. Not having to worry about another tough back coming into the division is a huge relief for Detroit, and could help them down the stretch.
While the Lions didn't make an earth-shattering addition on defense, their direct competition didn't do anything to upgrade their offense. That in of itself could make a big difference by the time the end of the season rolls around.
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