Detroit Lions Forced to Make Moves Within to Rectify the Worst Defense in NFL After 5th Devastating Loss of 2022

Detroit Lions are one of the most entertaining teams to watch right now in the NFL. The team always seems to have a fighting spirit among them. They might not be the favorites, but do end up troubling teams more than they might imagine. While the offense puts in a valiant effort most of the time, the defense is clearly on the flip side. Sporting the worst passing defense in the league right now, the Lions keep giving other teams an opportunity to give the finishing blow. The issue was still persistent against the Dolphins on Sunday. But, it was Aubrey Pleasant who paid the price.

After the defense from Detroit was once again flamed by the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, head coach Dan Campbell knew that changes had to be made. In a series of decisions required to change how things are, Aubrey Pleasant was the first name to go. The defensive back’s coach joined the Lions in 2021 after parting ways with the Rams. In his 24 games as a part of the Detroit coaching staff, the team has a record of 4-19-1. While Tua Tagovailoa had a career day against the Lions, with his highest QBR rating ever, 138.7,  Campbell made up his mind to say goodbye to Pleasant.

The HC did declare his respect for the parting staff member. “I think Aubrey’s a hell of a coach. I got a ton of respect for him,” explained Campbell. “It was a tough decision. But we’re in a production-based business, and after seven weeks, just felt like this change needed to be made.” 

Are the Detroit Lions being held back by their defense?

After a rough look at the previous weeks, it will have to be a straight yes. The Lions currently have the worst defense in the NFL. Allowing 32.1 points per game, while the next worst team, LA Chargers, allowed 5.1 points less than them. Furthermore, they allowed 421.3 total yards per game, which is also the worst in the league. On the other side, they have one of the best offenses in league.

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The offense averaged 24.7 points per game, which ranks them 9th out of the 32 teams. While they currently score 394.9 yards per game, that is the 4th best right now. This is definitely not reflective of a team that has won only 1 out of their 7 games. A great example of their problem is the game against the Seattle Seahawks. In spite of scoring 45 points, and even though that should be enough to get a win, the team somehow managed to give out 48 points, consequentially losing the game.

All the evidence points to a simple yet honest assessment. However good the offense may be, their defense just does not let up in the pursuit of making rival quarterbacks happy.

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