The Detroit Lions roared into the 2023 NFL season with an impressive 8-2 record, igniting hopes of a playoff run and rekindling the spirit of their devoted fanbase. However, in the month of November, the Lions have had a couple of unexpected losses to seemingly weaker teams that have dented their momentum, leaving them at 9-4 and raising questions about the team’s quarterback play and defensive strategy.
Quarterback Jared Goff, who showed glimpses of brilliance late in the 2022 season and into this season, has struggled in critical moments, contributing to the Lions’ recent setbacks. Goff’s inconsistency and difficulty under pressure have been evident in close contests where the team needed him to shine. Since week 7, Goff has scored 10 touchdowns while turning the ball over 13 times. Normally, fans would blame the receivers or offensive line for this mistake, but most of these turnovers have been on Goff. In the two times the Lions have played the Chicago Bears, (one of the worst defensive units against the pass) Goff has thrown 4 interceptions and has fumbled the ball 4 times, leaving the Lions already shaky defense in vulnerable positions. The main aspect of his play that has upset fans is Jared Goffs inability to sense pressure as well as work out of system. Pro Football Focus, or PFF (the leading analytical study in the NFL) has Goff ranked at 28th for starting quarterbacks against pressure. It is almost as if Goff has no timer inside his head, holding onto the ball until it is far too late. PFF also did a study on quarterbacks ability to “work out of system” or in other words, make something out of a broken play; throw it to a second read in the progression/run for yards. In this category Goff sits at 31st in the league, the only quarterback behind him is Dolphins player Tua Tagovailoa. As a result, fans and analysts alike are now scrutinizing whether Goff can regain his early-season form and lead the Lions to a successful postseason.
Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn’s play calling has also come under intense scrutiny, particularly in the Lions’ losses to the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. Critics argue that Glenn’s defensive schemes have been predictable, allowing opposing offenses to exploit weaknesses in coverage and execution. The once-stout Lions run defense, which played a significant role in their early-season success, now sits in the middle for defensive rankings, a far drop from its once prestigious 1st in the league. But it isn’t the Lions rush defense that is the issue, but rather it’s inability to cover downfield. For the past three years, Detroit’s defense has finished the season 32nd in terms of yards allowed through the air. Some may put the blame on poor cornerback play, or Detroit’s inability to pressure quarterbacks. However, it is only this year that fans are beginning to realize the real problem, Aaron Glenns play calling. Glenn has been the defensive coordinator for the Lions for three years, and has yet to produce a single season in which the Lions are not at the bottom of the league defensively. He makes several costly mistakes each game, whether it’s leaving our worst cornerback Jerry Jacobs on an island with a top receiver, or calling a stunt rush (freeing up the defensive end on one side) on 3rd and 7 while playing one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the league in Justin Fields. These mistakes can not happen, and have lost the Lions several games this year. Aaron Glenn somehow continuously crumbles whenever facing an athletic quarterback. Jordan Love, Justin Fields, and Lamar Jackson all had over a 106 PFF grade (the average across the league being 88.6) while versing Detroit, and Glenn has shown little to no growth in terms of stopping them.
The Lions recent struggles highlight the fine line between success and disappointment in the NFL. The team’s 8-2 start showcased their potential, but the subsequent losses emphasize the need for consistency and adaptability in the competitive league. Head Coach Dan Campbell faces the daunting task of addressing both Goff’s struggles and Glenn’s questionable play calling to steer the Lions back on course for a playoff push.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Detroit Lions and their loyal fans hope for a resurgence, acknowledging that improvement in key areas is crucial for a deep postseason run. Whether Goff can overcome his recent challenges and Glenn can adjust his defensive strategies will determine the fate of the Lions’ 2023 campaign.
