The Detroit Lions sit at 2-1 thanks to a defense that has compensated for a slow start from what was thought to be a high-scoring offense.
Currently, the Lions are averaging only 18.7 points in regulation and have managed just three points in the fourth quarter. Given this, they are fortunate to have any victories after their run to the NFC Championship game eight months ago.
They needed a late field goal to tie the game and push into overtime during their 26-20 win against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1.
They faced a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2, followed by a tough 20-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Quarterback Jared Goff almost threw a pick-six late in the game, but the officials ruled that the two-minute warning came before the snap.
The defense has been vital to their success, and this will be even more critical with upcoming games against Seattle, Dallas, and Minnesota.
On Monday, fans learned that the Lions will be without two key defensive players for those matchups. Coach Dan Campbell announced that defensive end Marcus Davenport will miss the rest of the season due to an elbow injury, and linebacker Derrick Barnes will be out for a “significant amount of time” with a knee injury.
“We’re still getting second opinions on Barnes, and those will be coming in for a while,” Campbell said. “He’s going to be down for a little while to heal, but is he going to need surgery?”
Davenport, who was signed from the Vikings, played a significant role as the No. 2 defensive end next to Aidan Hutchinson. His ability to pressure quarterbacks meant that offensive coordinators couldn’t just focus on stopping Hutchinson.
Levi Onwuzurike, who can play both defensive tackle and end, will take on more responsibilities in Davenport’s absence, along with third-year end Josh Pascal.
