As the 2018 NFL season came to a close, the Detroit Lions found themselves in a position they were all too familiar with - out of playoff contention. However, despite their disappointing 6-10 record, there were some bright spots and notable performances from individual players. Let's take a closer look at the Detroit Lions rankings for the 2018 season.
The Offense
Despite the Lions' struggles on offense, there were still some standout performers. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay had a breakout season, finishing with 1,063 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Running back Kerryon Johnson also showed promise in his rookie season, rushing for 641 yards and 3 touchdowns in just 10 games before a knee injury ended his season.
However, the Lions' offensive line was a major area of concern. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked a league-high 47 times, and the running game struggled to find consistent success. The Lions finished the season ranked 24th in total offense and 25th in scoring offense.
The Defense
The Lions' defense was a mixed bag in 2018. On one hand, they were stout against the run, finishing 10th in the league in rushing defense. However, they struggled against the pass, finishing 27th in passing defense. Linebacker Jarrad Davis was a bright spot on the defense, leading the team in tackles with 100.
The pass rush was also a concern, as the Lions finished tied for 30th in the league with just 43 sacks. Defensive end Romeo Okwara was a pleasant surprise, leading the team with 7.5 sacks.
The Special Teams
The Lions' special teams unit was solid in 2018. Kicker Matt Prater continued to be one of the league's most reliable kickers, making 28 of his 32 field goal attempts. Punter Sam Martin had a strong season, finishing with a net average of 41.8 yards per punt.
Return man Jamal Agnew missed most of the season with an injury, but showed flashes of his explosive potential when he was on the field.
Overall
While the Lions' 2018 season was ultimately a disappointment, there were still some positives to take away. The emergence of Kenny Golladay and Kerryon Johnson gives the offense some young playmakers to build around, and the defense showed some flashes of potential. However, there are still major areas of concern, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary.
As the Lions head into the 2019 offseason, there will be plenty of work to do to build a team that can compete in the tough NFC North. But with some key pieces already in place, there is reason for optimism in Detroit.
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