On Sunday, we discussed the potential of the 2026 Detroit Lions offense. Almost everyone agrees that it will be a top-10 unit in the NFL this season, and per the poll we ran on this site, 90 percent of our audience believes the Lions will have a top-five offense.
I'm guessing Lions fans will be a little less optimistic about the other side of the ball.
The Lions defense has been an issue for most years under Dan Campbell. While they've been able to add some blue chip players like Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Kerby Joseph, and Brian Branch, the unit hasn't been able to put together a full season of strong play. Sometimes, it's been injuries. Other times, it feels like Detroit is being overcoached. Certainly the lack of a pass rush has been culpable at times. Regardless of the reasoning, the defense has regularly let the Lions down.
But could 2026 bring some extra hope? Detroit finally invested in their defensive line, and the players along that front are entering training camp healthier than ever. Additionally, Detroit has fortified their depth at linebacker and safety. And young players like Tyleik Williams, Jack Campbell, and Ennis Rakestraw could elevate their games and jump in their development.
That said, there are huge questions about health and starters in the secondary, and Detroit still needs to show they can account and adjust to the losses of DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Alex Anzalone, and Amik Robertson. And defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has a lot to prove in his second season at that position.
#detroit #players #offense
I'm guessing Lions fans will be a little less optimistic about the other side of the ball.
The Lions defense has been an issue for most years under Dan Campbell. While they've been able to add some blue chip players like Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Kerby Joseph, and Brian Branch, the unit hasn't been able to put together a full season of strong play. Sometimes, it's been injuries. Other times, it feels like Detroit is being overcoached. Certainly the lack of a pass rush has been culpable at times. Regardless of the reasoning, the defense has regularly let the Lions down.
But could 2026 bring some extra hope? Detroit finally invested in their defensive line, and the players along that front are entering training camp healthier than ever. Additionally, Detroit has fortified their depth at linebacker and safety. And young players like Tyleik Williams, Jack Campbell, and Ennis Rakestraw could elevate their games and jump in their development.
That said, there are huge questions about health and starters in the secondary, and Detroit still needs to show they can account and adjust to the losses of DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Alex Anzalone, and Amik Robertson. And defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has a lot to prove in his second season at that position.
#detroit #players #offense
3 months ago
