Over the first 14 weeks of the NFL season, the Detroit Lions have emerged as the league’s top team. With a stellar 12-1 record and no losses since September, their dominance has many fans believing a Super Bowl appearance is within reach.
However, a former Lions quarterback believes there is a way to exploit Detroit’s weaknesses.
Dan Orlovsky Pinpoints a Key Vulnerability in the Lions’ Game Plan
Dan Orlovsky, who spent three seasons with the Lions, recently shared his thoughts on ESPN’s NFL Live about where the team could falter. He pointed to Detroit’s secondary as a potential liability.
“If you defensively give me, as an offensive person, plenty of opportunity to take shots downfield,” Orlovsky said, “if I was an offense going against the Lions, I take three shots a quarter. If you’re going to continue to line up and play press man against me, or any form of man, we’re taking our shots.”
Orlovsky elaborated, “As good as their secondary has been at times this year, they don’t have four Darrelle Revises or four Patrick Surtain Juniors. This is a group that is good, not great, and I would take shots at them all game.”
Despite the absence of key players like Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and Alex Anzalone due to injuries, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has managed to shape Detroit into one of the best defensive teams in the league. The Lions currently have the second-best scoring defense, allowing just 18.0 points per game, and boast the fifth-best run defense.
However, their pass defense lags behind, ranking as the 10th-worst in the NFL by giving up 224.7 yards per game. This poses a challenge for a team with Super Bowl ambitions.
While players like Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold, and Kerby Joseph have delivered strong performances, Orlovsky’s concern is valid. Against teams with elite receivers and strong-armed quarterbacks, Detroit’s secondary may struggle to keep up if they persist with press man coverage.
Two NFC Contenders That Could Challenge the Lions in the Playoffs
Despite concerns about their pass defense, the Lions remain the NFC’s top team. However, their vulnerabilities could be exposed against two potential playoff opponents.
The Philadelphia Eagles are one such threat. If these teams meet in the NFC Championship Game, Philadelphia’s arsenal of offensive weapons could spell trouble for Detroit. Saquon Barkley has been a game-changer for the Eagles this year, but A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith add another layer of danger.
Jalen Hurts has repeatedly proven his ability to dissect defenses with his arm, and against press man coverage, both Brown and Smith could exploit Detroit’s secondary. This would, in turn, create more opportunities for Barkley to shine.
Another formidable opponent could be the Los Angeles Rams. Though their playoff spot isn’t guaranteed, if they do make it, their offensive trio of Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua will pose a serious challenge. Last season, the Lions narrowly defeated the Rams 24-23 in the Wild Card round, but a rematch could see Sean McVay and his team dismantle Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes.
The Minnesota Vikings also have the weapons to trouble the Lions, but uncertainty surrounds quarterback Sam Darnold. While he’s been impressive during the regular season, Darnold has yet to prove himself in the playoffs. Without postseason experience, it remains to be seen if he can match the level of quarterbacks like Hurts and Stafford.
