The Detroit Lions had a less-than-stellar run defense in 2017. The team ranked 20th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game, giving up an average of 112.5 yards on the ground each week. Opposing teams had a field day running the ball against the Lions, and it was a major factor in the team's disappointing 9-7 record.
In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the Lions' run defense from the 2017 season. We'll examine the team's strengths and weaknesses, key players, and coaching decisions. By the time you're finished reading, you'll have a thorough understanding of what went wrong and what the team needs to do to improve in the future.
The Good
While the Lions' run defense wasn't great overall, there were some bright spots. One of the team's strengths was its ability to stop the run on first down. According to Football Outsiders, the Lions ranked 10th in the league in first-down run defense. This was largely due to the efforts of defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson and linebacker Jarrad Davis.
Robinson, a second-round pick in the 2016 draft, had a breakout season in 2017. He played in all 16 games and recorded 53 tackles, six tackles for loss, and one sack. Robinson was a force against the run, consistently clogging up the middle and making it difficult for opposing teams to run up the middle.
Key Players
In addition to Robinson and Davis, there were a few other key players on the Lions' defense who made an impact against the run. One of these players was defensive end Ezekiel Ansah. While Ansah is primarily known as a pass rusher, he also played a key role in the team's run defense. He finished the season with 12 tackles for loss, which was tied for 10th in the league.
Another important player was safety Glover Quin. Quin was one of the team's leading tacklers, finishing the season with 84 total tackles. He was also a force against the run, frequently making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. Quin was particularly effective when the Lions used him as a blitzer, as he recorded two sacks and five tackles for loss on the season.
The Bad
While the Lions had some individual players who performed well against the run, the team as a whole struggled to stop opposing rushing attacks. One of the team's biggest weaknesses was its inability to stop teams on third down. According to Pro Football Reference, the Lions ranked 29th in the league in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert on 43.5% of their third-down attempts.
This inability to get off the field on third down was a major factor in the team's struggles against the run. When opposing teams were able to convert on third down, it allowed them to keep their offense on the field and wear down the Lions' defense. This was particularly evident in the team's Week 6 loss to the New Orleans Saints, when the Saints converted 13 of their 17 third-down attempts and rushed for 193 yards as a team.
Coaching Decisions
Another factor that contributed to the Lions' struggles against the run was the team's coaching decisions. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was known for his aggressive play-calling, which often left the team vulnerable to big plays. This was particularly evident in the team's Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, when the Lions frequently blitzed and left the middle of the field open for running back Dalvin Cook. Cook rushed for 66 yards on 13 carries before leaving the game with an injury.
The Lions' coaching staff also struggled to adjust to opposing offenses throughout the season. In the team's Week 13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Ravens rushed for 116 yards in the first half alone. Despite this, the Lions' coaching staff made few adjustments at halftime, and the Ravens were able to continue running the ball effectively in the second half.
The Future
So, what does the future hold for the Lions' run defense? The team made some moves in the offseason to address this area of weakness. One of the biggest moves was signing defensive tackle Sylvester Williams in free agency. Williams is a veteran player who has experience playing in both a 4-3 and 3-4 defense. He'll provide the Lions with some much-needed depth on the defensive line.
The team also used its first-round draft pick on defensive end Marcus Davenport. Davenport is a raw prospect, but he has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher and run defender. If he can develop quickly, he could be a major contributor to the Lions' defense in 2018 and beyond.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions' run defense was a major weakness in the 2017 season. The team struggled to stop opposing rushing attacks, particularly on third down. However, there were some bright spots, including the play of A'Shawn Robinson and Jarrad Davis. The team made some moves in the offseason to address this area of weakness, but it remains to be seen whether these moves will pay off. If the Lions' run defense can improve in 2018, the team could be a serious contender in the NFC North.
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