Tracy Walker, Detroit Lions (Photo by DetroitFreePress Syndication)
The Detroit Lions fielded one of the worst defenses in franchise history last season. One year later is there enough talent to be competitive?
The biggest offseason headlines for the Detroit Lions involved the addition of new general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell as well as the trade of long-time quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Those moves alone have dramatically changed the landscape of Lions football. Holmes quietly put together an impressive offseason as he made some solid low-risk free agent signings that won’t strangle the salary cap and assembled what has been considered one of the better draft classes in the league.
Holmes also completely changed the face of the franchise as he granted Matthew Stafford his wish to be traded to a contender. Today Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are considered one of the favorites to make a run at the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, Dan Campbell’s rebuilding roster is expected to struggle this year. As a matter of fact, the only thing they are expected to battle for is the number one pick in next year’s draft.
While the addition of Penei Sewell seems to have solidified the offensive line as a strength to go with a talented backfield that should allow the Lions to finally showcase a productive ground game, the key to the offense will still come down to how well Jared Goff plays.
The receiving corps does have some questions, but regardless of those imponderables, Jared Goff is still the one who has to make the passing game work to help open up the run. Without any threat of a passing game or if his turnover issues continue, then the Lions will be in trouble.
The other big key to the 2021 season is the resurgence of the defense. Under the previous regime, the defense did nothing but regress to becoming the punchline for a joke. Like the rest of the roster, the defense still needs more talent, but does it have enough to be competitive this season?