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How the Detroit Lions can win the NFC North

By Russell S. Baxter

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 16: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions instructs teammates from the line during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 16: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions instructs teammates from the line during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Offensive tackle Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the bench against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Offensive tackle Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions looks on from the bench against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

3. Better pass protection

It’s not as if general manager Bob Quinn and the team haven’t addressed their offensive line either via free agency or the draft in recent years. And perhaps the numbers are really an indication that the team’s offense has really lacked balance the last few years.

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But the bottom line is that, in four of the past five years, the Detroit Lions have surrendered at least 40 sacks. In 80 regular-season contests dating back to 2014, the Men from the Motor City has allowed a combined 214 quarterback traps — a total topped by only six teams in the league.

This past season, quarterback Matthew Stafford absorbed all but one of the 41 sacks allowed by the Lions. The 10-year pro has had better seasons. He completed 66.1 percent of his throws but threw just 21 touchdown passes while committing 15 turnovers.

A steady diet of the pass rushes served up by the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers doesn’t make like any easier. Of course, a better ground attack would keep those enemy defenses a little more honest and take a little pressure off Stafford.

The Lions’ offensive front is spearheaded by recent first-round picks such as the left side combination of tackle Taylor Decker (2016) and Frank Ragnow (2018). All told, head coach Matt Patricia needs a better performance from this unit in general.

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