Detroit Lions: Positives to take from the 2018 season
By Zac Snyder
The defense improved during the season
It might not be saying much considering how the season started but the Lions defense did get better as the 2018 season progressed. Hopefully that means the 2019 Lions can get off to a faster start on defense, especially with some important foundational pieces now in place.
The Lions defense held opponents under 100 yards rushing just twice before the mid-season trade that brought Damon Harrison over from the New York Giants. One of those games was against the Green Bay Packers, who rushed for 98 yards despite needing to throw the ball often due to falling behind early.
After the trade, the Lions run defense saw their average yards given up on the ground fall below 100. Opponents found it particularly difficult to run on the Lions defense after Harrison settled in as the Lions gave up just 54, 56 and 38 yards against the Bears, Panthers and Bears again respectively. Harrison’s presence made a big difference and he’s now under contract for two more years.
So, @snacks Harrison is #1 AND #2 in run stop percentage this season among interior defenders.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) December 28, 2018
Detroit Snacks is #1 at 16.5%,
New York Snacks is #2 at 14.3%
Nobody owns a stat like Snacks owns run stop percentage.
A positive theme from Patricia’s days running the Patriots defense that has carried over has been the varied approach to getting after opposing quarterbacks. The Lions lack the kind of scary pass rushing presence a player like Khalil Mack brings but they, like so many Patriots teams, have been able to get after the quarterback by using a number of different players.
In 2017, only Ziggy Ansah (12) and Anthony Zettel (6.5) posted at least four sacks and the team as a whole totaled 35 sacks on the season. It was a different story in 2018 as five Lions recorded at least four sacks with no one reaching double figures. The 2018 Lions improved over last year’s team in terms of sack totals by registering 43.
It isn’t crazy to say the Lions can make a “by committee” approach work because we already saw it in action in 2018. That’s not to say the Lions should feel comfortable with what they have. They (in all likelihood) need to replace Ziggy Ansah and should be looking to add a true difference maker on the edge to add to their current committee.