4 Reasons Lions' Defense Takes Step Forward in 2023

Read more on the four reasons why the Detroit Lions' defense will take a step forward in 2023.

The Detroit Lions' defense, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, struggled more often than not a season ago. 

Glenn's unit allowed the fifth-most points in the league (427 total points), and was equally inept at stopping the run and the pass. 

Yet, going into the 2023 season, there is growing optimism, among fans and pundits alike, that the team's defense will take a step forward. 

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks is one of the several national analysts who believes such will come to fruition. 

As Brooks opines, "With DEs Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, DT Alim McNeill and S Kerby Joseph, the Lions already had a promising core of young talent. But I love what Brad Holmes added this offseason, particularly in the back end. With C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and second-round pick Brian Branch shoring up the secondary, Detroit can eliminate the big plays and force opponents to deal with a front line that features speed, strength and power. And while some folks questioned Holmes for using the No. 18 overall pick on an off-ball linebacker, Jack Campbell should provide immediate returns in Year 1."

Here are four reasons why Glenn's unit will increase its level of productivity this upcoming season. 

Improved secondary 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes made it his mission to improve the team's secondary this offseason. 

He not only added three more-than-capable defensive backs in free agency – Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. But, he also nabbed – on Day 2 of the draft – Alabama product Brian Branch, who had received a first-round grade from a variety of pundits prior to the draft.

Sutton and Gardner-Johnson each recorded career-best campaigns a season ago. Sutton amassed a career-high three interceptions and 15 passes defensed, while Gardner-Johnson produced a league-leading six interceptions. 

Meanwhile, Moseley, coming off a torn ACL, recorded an interception and five passes defensed in just five games last season. 

These aforementioned additions, along with the return of play-making safeties Kerby Joseph and Tracy Walker, should help the Lions' secondary perform at a higher level in 2023.

Continued growth from Aidan Hutchinson 

Hutchinson lived up to the bill of the No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft. 

The Michigan product not only finished the 2022 season with 9.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits. But, he also logged three interceptions, three passes defensed and two fumble recoveries. And, in doing so, he became the first rookie in NFL history to accumulate at least 7.5 sacks, three interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries during a single season. 

Consequently, he finished as the runner-up for the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

It was a season to remember from the EDGE rusher. And, there's no doubt in my mind that he'll take another step forward and become an even more dominant pass-rusher in his second season as a pro.

Jack Campbell helps solidify linebacker spot 

The Lions certainly need their linebackers group to take a step forward this upcoming season, and Campbell should help with that.

Campbell, the No. 18 overall pick in this past April's draft, has the potential to be an immediate impact player in the middle of Detroit's defense. 

The 6-foot-5, 246-pounder – an Iowa product – amassed 128 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss, along with three passes defensed, two interceptions, one forced fumble and a sack during his senior season with the Hawkeyes. 

Additionally, he graded out well with Pro Football Focus during his final season in Iowa City. In fact, he earned an 85.6 grade against the run and a 92.9 mark in coverage.

He should be a reliable contributor at linebacker for the Lions in 2023 and beyond.

Increased availability from EDGE rushers 

Unfortunately for Detroit, it had to deal with a significant amount of injuries at EDGE rusher last season.

Julian Okwara and Josh Paschal played in just 10 games each. Meanwhile, Romeo Okwara suited up for only five games. 

Additionally, 2022 sixth-round pick James Houston spent more than half the season on the practice squad, and didn't log a single snap until Week 12. And once he did, he took the league by storm. He recorded eight sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 11 QB hits in just seven games, and the Lions went 5-2 in those seven contests.

If Detroit can get the Okwara brothers, as well as Paschal and Houston, on the field more often in 2023, it can only enhance the defense's chances of taking a major step forward.