The season is approaching. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the Detroit Lions 2023. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
We didn’t expect anything, and we were pleasantly surprised. Seen as a team in the beginning of reconstruction, the Lions have revealed themselves in 2022 as a serious candidate for the playoffs. They were finally deprived of the great end-of-season celebration only by a victory for the Seahawks on the final day. However, the progress made under the leadership of Dan Campbell suggests bright days ahead.
This 2023 season could finally become a serious team, capable of competing with the best. As a reminder, Detroit is still waiting for a playoff victory since the 1991 season. The Lions have also not won their division since 1993.
Far too long a wait for all Michigan fans. Favorites, at least on paper, of the NFC North, they will have to assume a status that they do not know. Under the spotlight, the Lions will have to prove that they have teeth.
Last season: 9 wins – 8 losses, second in NFC North, no playoffs
Movements in the off-season
Notable arrivals: CJ Gardner-Johnson (S), Marvin Jones Jr. (WR), Emmanuel Moseley (CB), Jalen Reeves-Maybin (LB), Cameron Sutton (CB), Graham Glasgow (G), David Montgomery (RB) , Jake McQuaide (LS), Teddy Bridgewater (QB)
Re-signings: Alex Anzalone (LB), Isaiah Buggs (DT), John Cominsky (DE), Will Harris (S), Benito Jones (DT), Matt Nelson (OT), Anthony Pittman (LB), Craig Reynolds (RB) ), Nate Sudfeld (QB)
Draft: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB), Jack Campbell (LB), Sam LaPorta (TE), Brian Branch (S), Hendon Hooker (QB), Brodric Martin (DT), Colby Sorsdal (OT), Antoine Green (WR)
Notable losses: Jamaal Williams (RB), Michael Brockers (DT), Jeff Okudah (CB), Quintez Cephus (WR), D’Andre Swift (RB), Logan Stenberg (G), DJ Chark (WR), Mike Hughes ( CB), Amanu Oruwariye (CB), Dan Skipper (G)
Praised for their explosive and effective attack, this Detroit team was, at the very least, cataclysmic defensively, especially against the pass. 3rd team having collected the most yards in the air, the leaders of Detroit have chosen to invest heavily in the defensive backfield. The combined arrivals of CJ Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley go in this direction. The departure of Jeff Okudah, traded to Atlanta, also. The draft of Brian Branch, expected in the first round and recovered miraculously with the 45th choice, allows to add a young player of the future to the rotation.
Another project of the off-season, the runners. Exit D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, gone to strengthen the Eagles and Saints respectively. To replace them, the Lions have bet on David Montgomery, who will have the happiness of running behind a much better line than that of Chicago, but also and above all on Jahmyr Gibbs. Chosen in 12th, far too high for most observers, the rookie from Alabama has all the qualities required in running and receiving to make Detroit’s attack even more explosive than it was in 2022.
Other young players of the future have joined the ranks of the Lions during the draft. Jack Campbell will bring his qualities as a middle linebacker, one of the weaknesses last year. Sam LaPorta arrives at a tight end position decimated since last season’s trade from TJ Hockenson. Finally, Hendon Hooker, one of the best NCAA quarterbacks last year, arrives as a replacement for Jared Goff.
The strong points)
There is no doubt about the main strength of the Lions: the attack. Last year, Detroit was 4th in yards and 5th in points scored in the league. An important force in a league increasingly focused on attacking success. As often, this success starts with the trenches. The Lions offensive line is one of the best in the NFL. Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell are recognized players in their positions, and the summer addition of experienced Graham Glasgow completes a high quality group.
Behind them, many young players bring their stone to the building. Last season saw the explosion of Amon-Ra St. Brown as a true No. 1 receiver. A first-time Pro Bowler, he perfectly took on the role of Jared Goff’s prime target following the departure of TJ Hockenson. . Jared Goff who silenced the many skeptics about his level. From transition quarterback expected in 2022, he now presents himself as the leader of this attack. Finally, how not to mention Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator of this team, so coveted during the offseason. The attack has progressed greatly under his command, and this year he will again be the squad leader.
If the defense is less convincing, several players are safe bets in the NFL. In addition to rookies CJ Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton or Emmanuel Moseley, there is especially the name of Aidan Hutchinson which is on everyone’s lips. The second pick of the 2022 draft confirmed all the promises placed in him with 9.5 sacks. Talented, charismatic and a native of the country, Hutchinson has everything to be the face of the defense of the Lions for many years.
The weak spots)
The 2023 Detroit Lions have a great roster, sure, but there are a lot of factors missing to make this team a title contender. The defense, in particular, still has many weaknesses in many positions. Behind some very good players like Hutchinson or the surprising James Houston, the squad lacks depth on the front seven. Charles Harris has had just one good career season, Alex Anzalone is a decent veteran and Malcolm Rodriguez has been interesting in his first season. The rest is generally very low.
Above all, and it is important to remember, the Lions have not won a playoff game since January 5, 1992. Among the more than 70 players under contract in Detroit during the offseason, only Marvin Jones was born. An eternity. Reversing the trend will require more than player qualities, but also an iron mind. Some players have the experience of big meetings, in particular Jared Goff, but this is not the case for the staff. This problem can be impacting at the time of conclusion.
Finally, Jameson Williams’ six-game suspension could have a negative impact on the start of the season. Pinned for betting on a college football game, the catcher will miss key games that could determine the entire face of the Lions season.
X factor: The pass rush
Being able to knock the opposing quarterback down is one of the hallmarks of good defense. While the Lions weren’t ridiculous about it last year, the pass rush still needs to turn a corner if they hope to achieve big things in 2023.
Behind Aidan Hutchinson, several players must gain importance. James Houston, in particular, could be the nice surprise in Michigan. Drafted in the 6th round in 2022 upon leaving Jackson State, Houston didn’t see the field until Week 11. But over the last 7 games, he’s established himself as a player to rely on with 8 sacks. He should share the position with Charles Harris, more experienced but too often injured.
In the defensive system of the Lions, the role of Alim McNeill will also be important. First used as a nose tackle after his draft, he was logically reverted to a hybrid defensive end/defensive tackle more on the guards, which better suits his qualities as a pass rusher. Last year, he proved that he was able to put pressure on the opposing quarterback, and should do it even more in a 3-tech position ideal for his game.
Between the use of Houston or the positioning of McNeill, things are slowly falling into place for the pass rush in Detroit. Certainly solid last year, they were very handicapped by the weakness of the defensive backfield. With the improvements started in this area, combined with an increase in the pass rush, the Lions pass defense could become truly threatening.
Player to watch: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB)
The choice greatly surprised the evening of the draft. A running back selected in 12th position, the Lions’ decision is indeed surprising. But if we do not focus on the position but on the player only, Jahmyr Gibbs will have a non-negligible contribution to the Detroit attack.
Fast, agile, able to evade tacklers, Gibbs has a profile similar to that of Alvin Kamara in his tightrope walker side. Well thrown, it is difficult to catch and too fast for many players, even defensive backs. Above all, it represents a real air threat. With very good hands, he will offer Jared Goff an additional solution in an already very spectacular attack.
Moreover, the Lions’ squad and the construction of the running game will make Jahmyr Gibbs’ weak points almost insignificant. Does he lack physics? No big deal, the Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the country. Nothing better to open breaches. He has trouble on the interior races where you have to rush into the pile? Detroit recruited the mighty David Montgomery to pair with him. If Jahmyr Gibbs manages to realize his full potential in this attack, the Lions could well be almost unstoppable offensively.
2023 Detroit Lions Schedule
@Chiefs, Seahawks, Falcons, @Packers, Panthers, @Buccaneers, @Ravens, Raiders, BYE, @Chargers, Bears, Packers, @Saints, @Bears, Broncos, @Vikings, @Cowboys, Vikings
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
The hype train is on. Favorites of many at the end of last season, the Lions have the means to continue their beautiful story. Around a unifying coach, Detroit has made its weak points less weak, and made sure to make its strong points stronger. With the departure of Aaron Rodgers, the slow rebuilding of the Bears and uncertainties among the Vikings, the planets finally seem to be aligned.
Beware, however, of the overconfidence and the curse that seems to befall this franchise, because a failed season could ruin all the beautiful things currently under construction in Detroit. Michigan football fans are finally dreaming of happily ever after, and it finally seems within their reach. A victory in the playoffs even seems possible, 32 years later, with an endearing team that is more. The Heart of Lions.
