Aaron Glenn Must Prove Defense Is Better

Detroit's defense will be the key to the team meeting high expectations in 2023.

The Detroit Lions showed progress on defense during the second half of the 2022 season. 

The unit, which finished 28th in the league in scoring and last in yards, allowed over 20 points in just three of its final eight games. 

It was an encouraging step for a defense that has struggled for most of Aaron Glenn's two-year tenure as coordinator. His first season, 2021, saw the team finish 31st in scoring and 29th in yards. 

Now, with the Lions facing maybe their highest expectations ever, it's time for the coordinator to take his group to the next level. 

Recall, Detroit narrowly missed the playoffs despite a 1-6 start. During that difficult beginning to the season, the defense allowed 400 yards in three of the games. 

Among those was a 48-45 defeat to Seattle, who finished with an identical record and earned the final playoff spot based on the head-to-head tiebreaker. 

In that Week 4 game, the Lions' defense failed to force a punt and surrendered 555 total yards of offense. On three occasions in that game, quarterback Jared Goff pulled the team within a score by leading touchdown drives. 

Detroit's defense promptly allowed points on all three ensuing drives. 

The product on the field did get better. Glenn's unit showed marked improvement over the second half of the season, particularly against the run. 

Detroit's one second-half defensive slip up came in a pivotal Week 16 game at Carolina. The Panthers racked up 570 yards of total offense, including 320 on the ground in a 37-23 defeat.

The Lions' passing defense allowed five 300-plus passing games in 2022. For much of the season, the Lions were shuffling the cornerback position and struggled to contain high-octane passing attacks.  

Losses to Carolina and Seattle in which the defense was gashed ultimately cost Detroit hopes at the postseason. 

With the heightened expectations and belief that the team can win the division, slip-ups in production can not happen in 2023. 

Now, Glenn will have a revamped secondary to combat previous struggles against the pass. In a trio of free agent signings, there are legitimate, experienced options who can plug-and-play in the defensive backfield. 

Talented edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston are a year older and gained valuable experience during productive rookie seasons. 

Rookie Jack Campbell makes the linebacker position better, as his presence creates an intriguing training camp battle for the starting spots. 

Simply put, Glenn will have his most talented defense in 2023. Now, he must put it to good use. 

Early returns on the newcomers have been promising. New safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has been connected to Glenn since he was a high schooler, brings a swagger element that Detroit lacked last season. 

Cam Sutton gives the team a solid top cornerback, and Emmanuel Moseley and Brian Branch will challenge incumbent Jerry Jacobs for the second spot. 

Alim McNeill is poised for a breakout at defensive tackle and should anchor the Lions' efforts against the run. There has been an added emphasis on stopping opponents' ground games. 

With training camp mere days away, it's time for the Lions to put the plan into action. 

It's time for the defense to be much better.