The Detroit Lions have high hopes this year, but here are five nightmare scenarios for them.
For the first time in a very long time, the Detroit Lions have high expectations entering a season. They are the prohibitive favorites to win the NFC North, which if they get it done would be their first division title since 1993.
It's clear that head coach Dan Campbell will not allow his team to fall prey to the hype. And there's veteran leadership among the players that won't allow it either. The group of younger players seem wired to not fall into any sort of complacency. The "burden of expectations" should not be too much for this group.
But unexpected things happen every year in the NFL, and to virtually every team. A segment of long-suffering Lions fans want so to see this team do something of note before buying in, which is fine and somewhat expected. The "Same Old Lions" thing will linger for a little while yet, at least in some circles.
For all the positive vibes around the Lions right now, here are five nightmare scenarios that would throw things off course this season.
5 nightmare scenarios for the Detroit Lions in 2023
5. Jameson Williams disappoints big when he's able to play
Williams' rookie season was an expected mulligan, as he worked his way back from a torn ACL in his last college game. Still, even in limited snaps, many expected more than two touches from him in six games.
Williams was easily tabbed as a breakout candidate early in the offseason. Then in April, he received a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's gambling policy. When he's able to take the field, Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens, the pressure will be on him to perform well over what's left of the season. The Lions need him to be the downfield threat they hoped he'd be for the entire season, and be it right away.
When it comes down to it, Williams' suspension won't cost him all that much practice time. He can be with the team until final cuts before Week 1, and he can come back to practice a few weeks before his return. He needs to hit the ground running when he's able to play, quite literally.
4. The defense does not make expected progress
The Lions remodeled their secondary this offseason, which is a big step toward the defense improving noticeably this season. The front-seven also looks to be deep with talent at both the defensive line and linebacker levels.
But, those new pieces in the secondary have to gel and learn how to work together. The run defense could still be vulnerable in the middle, and any defense that's still relying on the mediocre Alex Anzalone to play a lot at linebacker has a lower ceiling than it otherwise might.
A more balanced pass rush and a more consistent run defense will be the huge keys for the Lions' defense this year. If one or both of those things don't happen, it will be harder to win games.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown suffers a major injury
Depth at wide receiver for the Lions is somewhat of a concern for the Lions, in particular light of Williams' six-game suspension to start the season. A move to add someone of some note could come at some point, before training camp or between the start of camp and Week 1.
St. Brown is the clear No. 1 target in the Detroit passing game. If he suffered a major injury, there's simply no replacing him--even in a trade if the timing fit to make such a move in reaction to his absence. He did miss one game and was limited by injuries in a couple others last season, but a longer absence this year would be a nightmare for the Lions.
2. The offensive line gets hampered by injuries
Over the last two seasons, the Lions have not had their projected five offensive line starters together for a single snap. Left tackle Taylor Decker talked about that earlier this month.
"Hope so. We didn’t have our projected starting offensive line for one game last year,” Decker said. “We had some guys come in and play great and give us some really good games -- or even if they had to go in for a series or two. But as we know, that’s the nature of this -- seems like for two years we’ve been trying to get this projected offensive line on the field together, and I don’t know if it’s happened yet. I don’t think it has. Preseason maybe.""
Depth behind Detroit's starting five offensive lineman--Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Penei Sewell--is broadly not great; as can be said for many teams. If Sewell, Decker or Ragnow in particular missed substantial time for the Lions, it would be massively bad. Ragnow's ongoing toe issue, which he of course fully intends to play through again, is notable.
Jared Goff needs great protection to function at his best, and any backup is a big drop-off to almost any starter on this front five. All five need to be together, ideally for every meaningful snap over all 17 games (and anything beyond) this season
1. Jared Goff suffers a serious injury
As he closed the book on the 2022 season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes all but promised an emphasis on the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Goff. That seemed to make it certain Nate Sudfeld would not be re-signed, or at least a veteran of note would he added to unseat him.
Sudfeld was of course re-signed, and Hendon Hooker was drafted in the third round as he works his way back from a torn ACL last season. The only other news on the backup quarterback front for the Lions was an April report of a strong contract offer to Teddy Bridgewater, which he obviously decined if it was made.
So was Holmes' plan to add a different veteran backup quarterback really, essentially, "Bridgewater or bust"? It can't have been. Or should I say, it shouldn't have been. There is the question of possible unknown offers to others, and other notable options may have simply found better money or a chance to start elsewhere.
Goff has avoided major injury to this point in his career, playing behind top-notch offensive lines in Los Angeles and Detroit. Durability is something of a skill, in terms of getting rid of the ball, avoiding hits, etc., and he has done well.
That said, it only takes one big or awkward (legal?) hit, or an imperfect landing after being taken down......Then the Lions hopes for the 2023 season will go down with Goff if he's sidelined by a significant injury, and Sudfeld has to start a lot of games. But the Lions are content with their quarterback room, as if anything else would be said at this point.