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Keys to a Lions turnaround: Backup QB, pass rush and more need sprucing up

Allen Park — As the Detroit Lions near the finish line on a forgettable 2019 season, here are a few things they need to make 2020 a better campaign.

A clean bill of health

Even though the team's record still wasn't good enough, quarterback Matthew Stafford was performing at his peak through the first half of the season, at least until a troubling back injury sidelined him the final eight games.

Stafford was on pace to post some of the best numbers of his career, particularly from an efficiency standpoint, where his yards per attempt and passer rating were well ahead of previous bests.