Lions Week 2 Preview: Where Are Sacks?

Latest "Lone Wolves" Lions podcast previews Week 2 contest against Buccaneers.

Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike (91) celebrates with linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions' defense had stellar moments against the Los Angeles Rams, but also moments where the tackling was less than stellar.

Among the most discussed topics was the lack of sacks against Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Detroit's coaching staff and players indicated that the biggest factor that caused Detroit's defense not to record elevated sack totals was just how fast Stafford was delivering passes.

For the past year, there has been discussion regarding sack totals vs. pressures, as the Lions have been regularly pressuring the quarterback, which again was the case in the opener.

“It’s only been one week, and there were some games last year where they weren’t able to get home at all or only had one. I’m bullish on the pass-rush. I think it’s only gonna trend upward from here," said Christian Booher on the latest "Lone Wolves" podcast. "Obviously, if Davenport’s unable to go, that’s gonna be a big loss. He had six pressures in Week 1. He really showed that when he’s on the field, he’s gonna be a difference-maker.”

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Detroit is banking on depth behind Davenport this week, including Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal and Kyle Peko.

DJ Reader's return should also provide opportunities for Aidan Hutchinson to rack up the sack totals. Reader often drew double-teams during his tenure with the Bengals.

“I’m pretty optimistic with that group. I’m optimistic. I think a lot of it is gonna come down to playing tighter coverage. Marrying that secondary coverage work with the pass-rush. Okay, the ball’s coming out quick, we need to play tighter on the outside, so he doesn’t have those windows to throw to as soon as the ball is snapped, or we have to get home quicker so that our secondary doesn’t have to cover as long," said Booher. "I think it’s gonna be on the secondary this week, because the Lions showed they could get into the backfield quick, it just wasn’t quick enough against Matthew Stafford. I think it’s gonna take a team effort this weekend.” 

The latest Lone Wolves Lions podcast previews Detroit's Week 2 contest against the Buccaneers, James Houston possibly being in the doghouse and whether the Lions need wideout Tim Patrick this week.

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