This week, the Detroit Lions added three players to injured reserve, among a few other roster moves.
This brings the IR total to 22 players. What does this mean for the Lions as we advance?
Three regular-season games remain. Including the Super Bowl, the Lions look to play up to seven games. They have played like the best team in the league. Now, where do they stand down 22 players (more are injured but not on IR)? With that said, will they end their season looking like the battered and bruised San Fransisco 49ers?
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All of this looks despairing. Is hope gone? Are playoff hopes a wash? The Lions are in an interesting situation with an all-star offense (don’t forget about Pro Bowl voting) and a wounded defense.
Looking at the past, the Lions were in a similar situation in 2022 with much fewer injuries. They averaged 26.6 points a game, ranking fifth in the league. The defense allowed 25 points a game, ranking 28th in the league. They also allowed the most yards in the league, with 392 yards a game. Although they ended the season 8-2, they missed the playoffs. The key to their comeback season was cracking down on the defense.
That may not be on the table, so what is their plan for this season?
The Lions are one of the most aggressive teams in the league. On the offense, they have an ability that Dan Campbell likes using. They can hold the ball. This will become noticeable in the coming games. Jahmyr Gibbs will carry a heavy load of the run game, and we can expect to see Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki take the field several times. Additionally, Campbell can call on Goff’s connection with Amon-Ra St. Brown for big-time plays.
Aaron Glenn‘s hands are full. He has players consistently out and must be the counterpart to an offensive masterpiece. What is his plan now? In light of injuries, the defense cannot stand down. With every play, the defense has a new opportunity to read the offense and shut it down. The Lions had a great defense but are now in a crisis.
Fans cannot get discouraged. The same fans that witnessed a 0-16 season cannot become weary at the sight of the IR. Detroit has not been the same in the last few years, and this change will last. You cannot improve without struggles.
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