The Two Final Weapons the Lions Didn't Have in '23

A Deep Dive into the Detroit Lions' Missing Pieces

The Detroit Lions had a disappointing 2023 season, finishing with a 9-8 record and missing the playoffs. While the team showed improvement from the previous year, they still have some key weaknesses that need to be addressed.

One of the biggest problems for the Lions was their lack of pass rush. They finished the season with just 30 sacks, which was tied for 28th in the NFL. This lack of pressure allowed opposing quarterbacks to have plenty of time to throw, which led to the Lions giving up the eighth-most passing yards in the league.

Another major issue for the Lions was their secondary. They allowed the most passing yards in the NFL, and their 32 passing touchdowns allowed were the second-most in the league. This lack of a pass rush and a weak secondary made it very difficult for the Lions to stop opposing offenses.

What the Lions Need to Do

If the Lions want to take the next step and become a playoff contender, they need to address these two weaknesses. They need to find a way to generate more pressure on the quarterback, and they need to improve their pass coverage.

One way to generate more pressure on the quarterback is to add a pass rusher in the draft or free agency. Some potential targets include Chandler Jones, Jadeveon Clowney, and Ryan Kerrigan.

To improve their pass coverage, the Lions could sign a free agent cornerback or safety. Some potential targets include James Bradberry, Tyrann Mathieu, and Jessie Bates III.

By addressing these two weaknesses, the Lions can take the next step and become a playoff contender in 2024.