Former NFL Head Coach Explains How Lions Can Win NFC North

Herm Edwards believes Detroit Lions must improve rush defense in 2023.

Former NFL head coach Herman Edwards believes that the Detroit Lions must prove they can stop the run on defense and showcase defensive improvements before they can actually win the NFC North division. 

The last time the Lions won the division was back in 1993, just one year before Detroit starting quarterback Jared Goff was born. 

Edwards, an ESPN NFL analyst, believes Detroit must not buy into all the offseason hype before the start of the new season. 

"Don't buy into the hype, and I don't think their head coach will allow that to happen," said Edwards. "But, this is a team that was surging at the end of the season. They were 5-1 in the division. Think about that. They had the best division record, although they did not win the division." 

Edwards understands the team's strength is on offense, but defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is tasked with improving several aspects of the team's defensive execution. 

"Offensively, we know they can move the ball and score. Their problem has been on the defensive side, especially the run defense," said Edwards. "They were 29th in the National Football League vs. the run. So, they've got to, they've got to get a little stouter inside there against the run game. And, they got better toward the end of the season, but they were giving up 25 points a game. So, this team has some improving to do on the defensive side of the ball. And, if they do that, they have a chance to win this division."