Lions' Defense Listed as 'Potential Achilles Heel'

Could the Lions' revamped defense falter in 2023?

The Detroit Lions are seeking to turn around their fortunes in 2023, especially on the defensive side of the football. 

Even though the defense last season made adjustments after the first seven weeks, it was not enough to aid the team to secure a playoff berth. 

NFL analyst Bucky Brooks opined that Detroit's defense may be a "potential achilles heel" that could cost the team their opportunity to win the NFC North in 2023. 

As Brooks explained, "Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn must find a way to keep his unit from faltering as the team's weak link. Last season, Detroit's defense was absolutely horrendous during the 1-6 start. To his credit, though, Glenn turned things around in the Lions' 8-2 finish by tweaking his personnel and implementing a schematic shift that enabled a group of young defenders to play fast and furious."

General manager Brad Holmes and the coaching staff understood the secondary needed to be overhauled and took the necessary steps to add veterans who have a proven track record on the football field. 

"That said, Detroit still finished the season ranked dead last in total defense and 28th in points allowed," Brooks writes. "On the plus side, general manager Brad Holmes fortified the unit, particularly the secondary, with a series of additions in free agency (DBs Cameron Sutton, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley) and the draft (first-round LB Jack Campbell and second-round DB Brian Branch)." 

While the talent on defense has been upgraded, it has yet to be determined how the pieces will fit together. 

The team will face early tests the first two weeks of the season, as the Chiefs and Seahawks have the potential of scoring a significant amount of points. 

"This influx of talent should significantly raise the floor on the Lions' defense, though Glenn has to make sure everything comes together and the chemistry is right. It looks much better on paper, but the game is played on the field."