Detroit Lions Preview 2021

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Sep 3

Our Detroit Lions preview 2021 notes that in 2011, 2014, and 2016 this team averaged 10 wins a season, finished second in the North, and earned three Wild Card berths. However, they lost in each of those post season contests. The Lions have not been to the playoffs in four years. Plus, in each of those seasons, they never won more than nine games. Last year, Detroit went 5-11, which was better than the prior year when they were 3-12-1. In the past three seasons, Detroit had been dead last in the NFC North. In that stretch, they averaged 3.7 wins-per-season. Don’t expect anything better from them in 2021.

Lions Offense

Jared Goff (552 ATT, 370 COMP, 3,952 YDs, 20 TDs, 13 INTs) arrives via a Lions/Rams trade that sent Matthew Stafford to LA. Goff is a former two-time Pro-Bowler who led the Rams to a Super Bowl. However, the last two seasons he’s turned the ball over more than any other QB in the NFL. To be effective, Goff must find his equilibrium, make better choices, and attend to accuracy. There is good news. The line is solid. In fact, it the best part of Detroit’s offense.

The bad news is the receiving unit is one of the thinnest in the NFL. Of the four leading receivers from 2020, just one, tight end T.J. Hockenson (67 REC, 723 YDs, 10.8 AVG, 6 TDs), returns. Last season, he topped all NFL tight ends in receiving yards. Rookie wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown is an athletic, feisty pass catcher. He’s noted for being a tough battler. Dual-threat running back D'Andre Swift, who last season caught 46 passes with two going for scores, anchors the rush attack. As a rookie last season, Swift, who had 357 yards in receptions, rushed for 521 yards and led the team in total offensive yards. As a runner, he scored eight TDs. Powerful and dependable former Packer back Jamaal Williams is the second man in.

Detroit Lions Preview – Defense

In 2020, the Lions were 32nd in total, 30th in passing, and 28th in rushing defense. They gave up 32.4 PPG, which was the most allowed in the NFL. Detroit tied for 30th in interceptions (7), for 27th in turnover differential (-9), and 26th in sacks (24). Our Detroit Lions preview 2021 finds that the best unit on the Lion D is the line. Tackle Michael Brockers, who does good work hassling quarterbacks, comes to Detroit from the Rams. At end, Romeo Okwara, who last season was the team’s sack leader with 10, was re-signed. Rookie tackles Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill come to the team having been drafted in Round Two and Three respectively. Trey Flowers, who missed part of the season last year due to injury, must step up.

The linebacking unit, which was exceptionally weak last year, looks a bit different than it did last year. Unfortunately, the changes are cosmetic. This is a very thin group. The secondary is not much better. Last year, highly touted rookie corner Jeff Okudah was a bust. He allowed one reception every 6.6 snaps. That was second worst in the NFL. He’s back. Also last season, Detroit brought in veteran Desmond Trufant on a lucrative contact. He was a bust too. Trufant is gone. On the other hand, corner Amani Oruwariye is solid. He’s Detroit’s best deep player. Tracy Walker III, a quality free safety, struggled with his cousin’s murder last year. It’s hoped he can find his way back as a player.

Detroit Lions Special Teams

Punter Jack Fox is premium. Long snapper Don Muhlbach, who returns for his 17th season, is dependable and accurate. Placekicking is a question mark, as Matt Prater is gone. Plus, Jamal Agnew is no longer the return man.