The Detroit Lions were a resolute team all through the 2024 season. They showcased remarkable football throughout the 18 weeks of the regular season and secured the top seed in the NFC playoff system. The Lions were the clear favorites to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in the team’s history.
No one anticipated that this would alter when the Lions welcomed the emerging Washington Commanders in the divisional playoffs. However, the guests were not daunted by Detroit’s regular-season successes, and head coach Dan Quinn’s squad was entirely ready to travel and engage in a competitive match against an excellent team.
No one anticipated that to alter when the Lions faced the rising Washington Commanders in the divisional playoffs. However, the visitors were not daunted by Detroit’s regular-season accomplishments, and head coach Dan Quinn’s squad was entirely ready to travel and engage in a competitive match against an excellent team.
The Lions, facing numerous defensive injuries ahead of the game, trailed the resolute Commanders in the second quarter and had to engage in catch-up football. The Lions were unfamiliar with that situation and could not establish their rhythm. Washington pulled off a surprising road upset, while the Lions’ season concluded with a thud. The Commanders subdued the rowdy Detroit fans in their 45-31 victory
Lions executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes can clearly identify the defensive injuries that impacted the team in the latter part of the season and culminated in their defeat against Washington.
Although Holmes and Campbell are justified in believing that their team will be significantly healthier in 2025 and won’t face the same injury struggles that sidelined star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson with a broken leg, along with additional setbacks to cornerback Carlton Davis (jaw), CB Khalil Dorsey (ankle), DT Alim McNeil (knee), DT Kyle Peko (pectoral), and DE Marcus Davenport (triceps), the Lions must remain vigilant.
Rather than just wishing for improved health, they should acquire a couple of defensive players to enhance their defensive strength. Philadelphia Eagles LB-Edge Rusher Josh Sweat and Buffalo Bills CB Rasul Douglas are set to become free agents on March 12 with the beginning of the 2025 League Year.
Acquiring either or both of those players before they hit free agency may not require the Lions to spend much, as free agency is approaching. If the Lions manage to secure those players and subsequently extend substantial offers to retain them, they could possess a vastly improved defensive squad compared to last season.
Josh Sweat is an energetic athlete, whereas Rasul Douglas has the potential to enhance their pass defense.
The Lions might benefit from considerable assistance in their efforts to rush the passer. They possess Hutchinson, and if he remains injury-free throughout the entire season, they can reasonably anticipate him achieving a double-digit sack total. Nonetheless, Hutchinson will be significantly more impactful as a pass rusher if he has a teammate capable of reaching the quarterback as well.
Sweat is designated as a linebacker on the Eagles depth chart, yet he excels in pass rushing. In the regular season, he recorded 8.0 sacks along with 41 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2 passes deflected.
Sweat might make an excellent accomplice for Hutchinson.
Pass coverage must enhance.
The Lions played numerous games in which their pass coverage was problematic. They lost a confrontation against the Buffalo Bills where Josh Allen was able to severely attack them through the air.
Allen successfully completed 23 out of 34 passes during the game, amassing 362 yards, throwing 2 touchdown passes, and he faced neither an interception nor a sack. The Detroit defensive backs were outclassed during the entire game.
They also faced difficulties in a late-season win against the San Francisco 49ers, and the Commanders dominated the Detroit secondary in the playoff defeat.
Buffalo cornerback Rasul Douglas might assist them significantly in this regard. The Bills obtained Douglas in a 2023 trade with the Green Bay Packers, and he performed exceptionally well after arriving in Buffalo.
He enjoyed a strong season in 2024 with the Bills, recording 5 passes defensed and 58 tackles. Although he recorded no interceptions in the regular season, he has achieved as many as 5 picks on two occasions throughout his career.
Acquiring both Sweat and Douglas through trades and signing them would be crucial actions for the Lions.
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