The 2018 NFL season saw the Detroit Lions finish with a disappointing 6-10 record. While there were many factors that contributed to the team’s lackluster performance, one area that stood out was their rush defense. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Lions’ struggles against the run and explore what went wrong.
Before we dive into the specifics of the Lions’ rush defense, let’s first define what we mean by “rush defense”. Rush defense refers to a team’s ability to stop their opponents from gaining yards on running plays. This includes plays where the running back carries the ball as well as plays where the quarterback scrambles.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
When we look at the statistics, it’s clear that the Lions’ rush defense was a major weakness in 2018. The team allowed an average of 119.3 rushing yards per game, which ranked 23rd in the league. They also gave up 18 rushing touchdowns, which was tied for 26th in the league. These numbers are not good enough to compete in the NFL, and they played a significant role in the Lions’ struggles throughout the season.
One of the biggest issues with the Lions’ rush defense was their inability to stop big plays. The team allowed 12 runs of 20 or more yards, which was tied for 26th in the league. This meant that opposing teams were able to break off big runs and gain chunks of yardage at a time, which put a lot of pressure on the Lions’ defense.
What Went Wrong
So, what caused the Lions’ rush defense to struggle so much in 2018? The answer is not a simple one, as there were several factors at play. Let’s take a look at some of the key issues:
Defensive Line
One of the biggest problems for the Lions’ rush defense was their defensive line. The team simply did not have enough talent or depth on the line to consistently stop the run. This was evident in the team’s struggles against power running teams, where they were often pushed around at the line of scrimmage.
The Lions’ defensive line was also hampered by injuries throughout the season. Star defensive end Ziggy Ansah missed 9 games due to a shoulder injury, while defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson was limited by an ankle injury. These absences made it even more difficult for the Lions’ defense to stop the run.
Linebackers
Another issue for the Lions’ rush defense was their linebackers. While the team had some talented players at the position, such as Jarrad Davis and Devon Kennard, they were often caught out of position or unable to shed blocks. This allowed opposing running backs to find holes in the defense and gain yardage.
Overall, the Lions’ linebackers were not consistent enough in their run-stopping abilities. This put a lot of pressure on the defensive line, as they were forced to make plays that they were not capable of making on a consistent basis.
Looking Ahead
So, what can the Lions do to improve their rush defense moving forward? There are several steps that the team can take:
Improve the Defensive Line
First and foremost, the Lions need to address their defensive line. The team should look to add more talent and depth at the position, either through the draft or free agency. They also need to ensure that their current players are healthy and ready to play at a high level.
Upgrade at Linebacker
The Lions also need to upgrade their linebackers. This could mean bringing in new players through the draft or free agency, or it could mean coaching up their current players to be more consistent in their run-stopping abilities.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions’ rush defense was a major weakness in 2018, and it played a significant role in the team’s struggles throughout the season. While there were several factors that contributed to their struggles, including injuries and inconsistent play, the team needs to address their defensive line and linebacker positions if they hope to improve in this area moving forward.
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