The Detroit Lions defense has performed well above expectations, and that’s even taking a basement-dwelling 65 points given up—second-worst in the league to the Arizona Cardinals (67)—and a 10th-worst 5.9 yards per play into consideration.
The Lions defensive performance in the first half against the Washington Commanders in Week 2 was as dominant and consistently imposing an effort as we’ve seen in Detroit for years, nearly a decade. If Detroit can continue to add depth by way of players potentially returning from injuries—Jerry Jacobs, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and Romeo Okwara—the Lions could further fortify a defense that’s been applying pressure in bunches and playing stout against the run.