Roundtable: Improving Defense Must Be Lions' Priority at Trade Deadline
1.) How excited are you about the Lions playing on Monday Night Football?
Christian Booher: I am excited to see the Lions play on national television, but the biggest reason I'm anticipating Monday's showdown so much is the fact that it is in Detroit. The Lions have been excellent in primetime, but haven't done so at Ford Field in Dan Campbell's tenure as head coach.
It should be an amazing atmosphere Monday, and for that reason, I'm very excited for the game.
Vito Chirco: I'm very glad that the Lions have been presented with this opportunity to prove their worth on Monday Night Football. It marks Detroit's first Monday Night Football game at Ford Field since the 2018 season (a 48-17 loss to the Jets), when Matt Patricia was still roaming the sidelines. In fact, it was Patricia's very first game as Lions head coach.
By the way, I apologize for bringing up that sore subject, Lions fans.
As for the current version of the team, Dan Campbell's squad has a solid chance of redeeming itself on Monday night. It should be a raucous crowd, and I expect the Lions to feed off that energy. It should make for an exciting primetime matchup, with the Raiders, at Ford Field.
2.) Who is the best player the Lions have to trade for?
Booher: I believe the Lions should trade for an EDGE rusher. For that reason, I'm going to offer up Maxx Crosby. The Lions are facing a critical offseason with the decision to re-sign Jared Goff, and the cap space they have won't always be there.
If the Lions want to show they are truly all-in, they should make a move of this caliber. Crosby would be the perfect running mate for Aidan Hutchinson, and could take Detroit to the next level.
Chirco: From a feasibility standpoint, I'm going to say Carolina Panthers star EDGE rusher Brian Burns. From all accounts, the winless Panthers will be sellers at Tuesday's deadline, and Burns will be one of the organization's most valuable trade pieces.
The 25-year-old, who has accumulated 42 sacks since entering the league in 2019, has already amassed four sacks, seven tackles for loss and nine QB hits through six games this season. He'd be a perfect complement to Aidan Hutchinson on the opposite side of the line, and he'd certainly provide a huge boost to Detroit's pass-rushing unit.
3.) If only one deal is made, should the Lions upgrade their offense or defense?
Booher: I'll stick with what I've said above, and say the team needs to upgrade the defense. There's plenty of talent already on the squad, but the Lions need a truly elite player on the roster.
A player like Crosby would make the defense elite. However, a move for an established starter on either the defensive line or in the secondary would upgrade the defense. There are holes, and adding a contributor would be very beneficial.
Chirco: Because of the volume of needs on the defensive side of the ball, I'm going to say defense.
As much as I'd like to see the Lions upgrade at receiver, I think Brad Holmes & Co. would be better off swinging a deal for EDGE or secondary help. I would target an EDGE first (i.e. Burns, Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter), as I think that would be the most impactful. However, if Detroit is unable to strike a deal for one of those impact pass-rushers, I'd say the team should upgrade its defensive backs room and get some relief at corner.
Now, if both of those attempts fail, then I'd target a No. 2-type receiver or even insurance for the linebacker position.
4.) How concerned are you about Jack Campbell and his early-season struggles?
Booher: I'm not super concerned. He's being asked to adapt to a new position, the SAM linebacker. I believe he's best in the middle, so the growing pains he's dealing with are not the most worrisome.
Now, I do believe Detroit should be getting more out of the No. 18 overall pick. Still, his movement from middle to outside linebacker is a testament to the growth of Derrick Barnes. For that reason, it's not all negative on this front.
I still believe Campbell has a vast ceiling. He should continue developing into a great player, and Detroit is giving him every opportunity to grow into that with his current rep count.
Chirco: I'm concerned, as he certainly hasn't looked the part of a capable NFL starting linebacker. He's the reason why the Lions, in win-now mode, might be wise to target a linebacker at this year's trade deadline. The Iowa product has been putrid against the pass and rushing the passer, and has received a lowly overall grade of 44.3 from Pro Football Focus for his efforts.
Now, he has only suited up for seven total NFL games. So, it isn't time to freak out regarding his lackluster play just yet. However, it is key that he increases his level of productivity as the season progresses, especially with Detroit having a lot to play for in the second half of the season.
5.) What is your best description of this 2023 Lions team?
Booher: I'll keep this concise. Detroit still looks the part of a gritty team, with the ability to compete with anyone.
Despite being exposed by the Ravens, I still believe this team looks the part of a contender. I'll be intrigued by Monday's game, as it will tell a lot about Campbell's group heading into the bye week.
Chirco: Good but not great (and I think that was proven against the Baltimore Ravens a week ago). The 2023 Lions are a tier below the San Francisco 49ers and the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, which I strongly believe are the NFC's two best teams. In my opinion, though, Detroit could still very well be the third-best team in the conference. And, I think it would have a solid shot of knocking off a team like the Dallas Cowboys in a playoff game hosted at Ford Field.
By season's end, I believe the Lions will have won 10-12 games, plus will have captured the NFC North division crown.
