The Detroit Lions are already regretting a key offseason decision as they enter their bye week. With a 5-2 record, the team is in a decent position, but injuries and underperforming players have forced them to reevaluate their roster moves.

Regret Over Not Signing Za’Darius Smith

One decision that might be haunting the Lions is the choice not to re-sign veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. After Smith’s impressive performance with the team last season, he was expected to be a key addition to the defense. However, the Lions opted to pursue Marcus Davenport instead, and he has struggled with injuries ¹.

Smith’s absence has been felt, particularly with Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury and Davenport’s recurring issues. The Lions have had to rely on younger players and defensive linemen to fill the gap, which hasn’t always been effective. Meanwhile, Smith has been excelling with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning a PFF grade of 73.4 and recording two pressures and a sack in his first outing ¹.

Impact on the Team’s Performance

The lack of depth at edge rusher has exposed the Lions’ defense, particularly against teams with strong offenses. With a tough schedule ahead, including matchups against the Ravens and Chiefs, the Lions will need to find a way to generate pressure without Smith. Al-Quadin Muhammad has stepped up in Davenport’s absence, but it’s clear that the team needs more firepower at edge rusher ¹.

Lessons Learned

The Lions’ regret over not signing Smith serves as a reminder of the importance of depth and talent in key positions. As the team navigates the rest of the season, they’ll need to consider their options for the offseason and prioritize building a more robust roster. With a strong core and some strategic additions, the Lions could make a deep playoff run ².

Conclusion

The Lions’ bye week provides a much-needed opportunity for reflection and adjustment. As they look to the second half of the season, they’ll need to find ways to overcome their injuries and exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Lions have the potential to make a strong push for the playoffs.