Detroit Lions Weblog

Lions Tackling and Ground Game Must Improve

The Lions are off to a surprising 2-0 start.   As unfathomable as it seems, they can go 7-7 down the stretch and have an excellent opportunity to make the playoffs.   I am not putting the proverbial cart before the horse here, I realize that the Lions have two victories against less than stellar competition.

If the Lions can improve in two important areas, tackling by their linebackers and defensive backs, and improve their abillity to successfully and consistently run with the ball, they can straddle that fine line between being a lesser 6-10 or a playoff 10-6 team, and enjoy one of their finer seasons in recent years.

The Lions LB’s and DB’s have not tackled well, thus far.    The team has been hurt by a steady stream of screen passes, swing passes, and slants where opposing offenses have been able to chalk up numerous yards after the catch.    The Tampa-2 zone defense is designed so that teams have to throw in front of the safeties, and it’s success is dependent upon quick, sound tackling. 

The Lions are a mixed-bag in their back seven.   They have experienced players like LB Paris Lenon, CB Fernando Bryant, and S Kenoy Kennedy playing alongside youngsters like LB Ernie Sims, CB Stanley Wilson, Jr., and S Gerald Alexander.  If this unit can keep plays in front of them, they will not suffer from the extended drives, or allow the big plays, that eventually kill a defense.

Sunday’s game was an aberration.   The Lions knew that they would struggle mightily to run against the Vikings stout rushing defense and pretty much abandoned it from the get go.   That being said, their ground game needs to make a miraculous recovery before they head to play Philly this weekend.  Their well-documented struggles with consistently running the ball have hurt them a great deal in recent seasons. 

The return of Kevin Jones may eventually help.    Still, the Lions are creating a number of mismatches within the tackle box by spreading opposing defenses out with their multi-receiver formations, and for the most part, have been unable to take advantage.

As much as the Lions have improved in protecting Jon Kitna from pressure and sacks through two games, they will not be as successful down the line if teams decide to completely disregard their rushing attack, and come after Kitna full speed ahead.  

The Lions still struggle inside of the red zone and short-yardage situations and have often resorted to some ridiculous playcalling in order to offset their inability to run with the ball consistently.  

If the promising tandem of Tatum Bell, T.J. Duckett and Kevin Jones are combined with a better push from the Lions offensive line, along with a stronger utilization of the ground game by O.C. Mike Martz, I can envision better times ahead for this team.  Otherwise, the commonly heard refrain of “Same Old Lions”, will eventually re-emerge.