Last year, the Detroit Lions' defense was one of the worst in the league by just about every measure. They allowed the second-most points, the fifth-most rushing yards, the fourth-most overall yards, and the third-highest passer rating—all while producing the third-fewest sacks and the ninth-fewest turnovers.
But during the Lions’ preseason finale last Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, “Hard Knocks” caught coach Dan Campbell saying the following over his radio.
“I think we’ve got a defense, gentlemen.”
The Lions’ first-team defense held the Steelers to three-and-outs on three of four possessions that afternoon, but could the Lions defense really see that big of a turnaround when the season starts?