As the Detroit Lions exceeded expectations as a team, these four players fell far short of their individual expectations in 2022
After a 3-13-1 finish in 2021, hopes were naturally a bit higher for the Detroit Lions heading into the 2022 season. A push toward a .500 record was certainly not out the question. Then a 1-6 start came.
But the Lions ultimately did find their way and take that next step this year, winning eight of their last 10 games to finish 9-8 and just outside of the playoffs. So the optimisitic end of preseason expectations, a .500 record and contention for a playoff spot, were met in what became a round-about way.
The Lions naturally had some players who notably exceeded expectations this season (Jared Goff, Jamaal Williams). But as any team does, there were others who fell short of expectations this year.
These four Lions players clearly fell short of expectations this season.
4 Detroit Lions players who did not live up to expectations during the 2022 season
Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
4. WR DJ Chark
Yes, Chark emerged late in the season as the kind of deep threat the Lions envisioned he’d be when they signed him. But his rapport with Goff was clearly not quite there the first few weeks of the season, then he missed six games as he aggravated his ankle injury from the previous season.
Chark finished with 30 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. He doesn’t need a lot of catch volume to make an impact, but expectations for him were certainly better than 30 catches and somewhere less than six missed games. Injury things happen, but it’s part of the conversation here with Chark.
The Lions now have a decision to make on Chark as he hits free agency. It feels like a 50-50 propositon he’ll be back.