Detroit Lions must solve a major issue as the playoffs approach.

The Detroit Lions’ defense remains a significant concern as they prepare for the NFL playoffs. According to the advanced DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) rankings, the Lions’ defense has been in dramatic decline in recent weeks, raising questions about their potential to make a long playoff run.

Detroit Lions’ Defense Has Been A Problem.

During the first 11 weeks of the season, the Detroit Lions were third in the league with a defensive DVOA of -20.5%. This accomplishment pushed the squad to a 12-2 record and positioned them for a great playoff run. However, after Week 12, Detroit’s defense has taken a significant step backward, with defensive DVOA increasing to +12.7% and dropping them to 25th in the league.

This precipitous fall in defensive performance has been concerning, particularly as the club heads for the playoffs. The Lions’ defense has been ravaged by key player losses and injuries, making it tough to sustain the high level they set early in the season.

The Injury Crisis

The Lions’ defensive difficulties have been exacerbated by an unprecedented number of injuries to key defensive players. As shown in the figure below, the Lions have suffered several injuries, including important players Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Carlton Davis. Many of these players have been placed on injured reserve or have lost substantial time, leaving the defense weakened and unable to perform at its peak.

Key injuries to the defensive line, secondary, and linebacker positions have resulted in a patchwork squad that has failed to stop opposing attacks. The defensive backfield, in particular, has been seriously hit, with cornerbacks Carlton Davis III and Ifeatu Melifonwu out, as well as vital depth players such as Emmanuel Moseley. The Lions have also lost linebackers Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes, leaving them with little depth.

The quantity of injuries is startling, and it has played a key role in the Lions’ defensive struggles.

Can the Lions Overcome Their Struggles?

With the playoffs swiftly coming, the Lions must fix these defensive flaws as soon as possible if they expect to advance. The offense, led by Jared Goff and talented playmakers like as Amon-Ra St. Brown, has been effective, but the defense’s downturn is a major concern. The Lions have shown that they can compete with the best, but they must return to the level of performance that made them one of the league’s top defensive teams earlier in the season.

Injuries have caused a significant setback, but the team’s ability to recover and adapt will be critical in the coming weeks. If the defense can rediscover its form and resume playing at a high level, the Lions might still make a strong playoff run. But, as things stand, this defense must rapidly overcome its injuries and regain its early-season domination if it is to have a shot in the playoffs.

With a difficult road ahead, the Lions’ postseason aspirations may depend on the health and effectiveness of their defense.