Detroit Lions: If…And…But for 2015

Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata (92) sits on the bench in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

But

If a new-look defensive line can’t have the same kind of impact that it did one year ago, this team becomes a bit of a mystery on this side of the football.

And in case you believe this is all about the loss of four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to free agency and the Miami Dolphins, think again. The five-year defender was joined in South Florida by veteran former teammate C.J. Mosley.

Add in the fact that defensive tackle Nick Fairley, the Lions’ first-round pick in 2011, inked a deal with the St. Louis Rams. Reserve Andre Fluellen signed with the Buffalo Bills and emerging defensive end George Johnson, third on the team with six sacks in 2014, was dealt to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

That’s a lot of changes. Back in March, general manager Martin Mayhew traded for five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to stem some of the bleeding up front. But Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com says that free-agent pickup Tyrunn Walker may be the newest Lions’ addition to watch.

In 2014, no team allowed fewer yards rushing than the Lions, who also finished second to the Seattle Seahawks in total defense this past season.

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