In order for the Detroit Lions to complete their quest back to playoff relevance, their defense needs to get back to the elite level it was at earlier this decade. When making the playoffs in 2011, 2014 and 2016, the Detroit defense was able to be fearsome all throughout the NFC North, specifically up front.
In past years, the success of the Lions’ defensive line has directly translated into team success and postseason appearances. From the fearsome defensive tackle duo of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley to defensive ends like Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril and Ezekiel Ansah using speed off the edge, former years have taught us that an elite defensive line in Detroit produces results.