After enduring one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses last season, the Detroit Lions revamped their cornerback lineup this offseason. Additions like Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, and rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw are seen as upgrades over last year’s roster.
The pass rush depth, previously a concern, appears improved, though the team may still consider adding a veteran edge rusher. The linebacking corps, once a weak spot, now looks deeper and more capable.
Despite these changes, the Lions were among the league’s worst in defending wide receivers last season, particularly outside receivers. If the new cornerbacks don’t solve this issue, it could spell trouble. The success of the defense hinges on these improvements, and failure could lead to significant pressure on those responsible.
Does the Lions’ defense still have an exploitable weakness?
Maurice Mouton of Bleacher Report identified a key flaw that could derail the Lions’ 2024 season: intermediate pass coverage, particularly by the linebackers.
Linebacker Jack Campbell, a 2023 first-round pick, struggled in coverage last season, allowing a 128.2 passer rating, an 80.6% completion rate, and two touchdowns. Veteran linebackers like Alex Anzalone also underperformed on passing downs, with Anzalone allowing a 97.2 passer rating and two touchdowns, and Derrick Barnes not recording any pass breakups.
Offensive coordinators may target the Lions’ defense with tight ends and slot receivers to exploit these coverage weaknesses in the middle of the field.
While Anzalone had a top-35 Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade (66.1) among qualifying linebackers and was marked for zero touchdowns allowed in the regular season, Campbell’s coverage grade was a dismal 35.3, ranking 76th out of 77 qualified linebackers. Barnes, on 374 coverage snaps, allowed 32 catches on 40 targets with a 97.6 passer rating and no pass breakups.
Last season, opposing offenses found more significant opportunities elsewhere, but with improvements in other areas, they may now target the Lions’ linebackers in coverage against tight ends and running backs as a potential path to success.
