As the Detroit Lions head toward the NFL playoffs, one glaring issue stands out: their defense. According to the advanced DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) rankings, the Lions’ defensive performance has significantly worsened in recent weeks, raising doubts about their ability to make a deep playoff run.
Detroit Lions Defense Faces Challenges
In the first 11 weeks of the season, the Detroit Lions’ defense was exceptional, ranking 3rd in the league with an impressive -20.5% defensive DVOA. This strong performance helped the team achieve a 12-2 record and set them up for a potential playoff push. However, since Week 12, the defense has taken a sharp downturn, with their defensive DVOA rising to +12.7%, causing them to fall to 25th in the rankings.
This steep drop in defensive performance has been concerning, especially as the Lions prepare for the postseason. Injuries and the loss of key players have severely weakened the defense, making it difficult for them to maintain the high level they achieved earlier in the season.
Injury Woes
One of the biggest factors behind the Lions’ defensive struggles has been a wave of injuries to crucial players. As shown in the image below, the Lions have been decimated by injuries at multiple positions, including key players like Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Carlton Davis. Many of these players have been placed on injured reserve or missed significant time, leaving the defense thin and unable to perform at its usual level.
Injuries along the defensive line, in the secondary, and at linebacker have led to a makeshift unit that’s struggled to contain opposing offenses. The defensive backfield has been particularly impacted, with cornerbacks like Carlton Davis III and Ifeatu Melifonwu missing games, along with important depth players like Emmanuel Moseley being sidelined. The Lions have also lost linebackers such as Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes, further depleting their depth.
The number of injuries is staggering, and this has played a key role in the Lions’ defensive decline.
Can the Lions Overcome These Struggles?
With the playoffs approaching quickly, the Lions must address their defensive issues if they hope to make a deep postseason run. The offense, led by Jared Goff and star players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, has been performing well, but the defense’s struggles remain a major concern. The Lions have shown they can compete at a high level, but they need to return to the form that made them one of the league’s top defensive teams early in the season.
Injuries have been a major setback, but how the team adapts and recovers will be critical in the coming weeks. If the defense can regain its early-season form, the Lions could still make a strong playoff push. However, the defense must quickly overcome its injuries and return to its dominant play if they want a chance at postseason success.
With a tough road ahead, the Lions’ playoff hopes may depend on the health and performance of their defense.
