NFC North power rankings: Where do Packers stand ahead of 2018 season?
3. Detroit Lions
A pair of 9-7 records and second-place finishes is OK, but the Detroit Lions will be hoping to push on and return to the playoffs in 2018.
Reason to be optimistic: Offensive line
GM Bob Quinn has been committed to fixing the Lions’ offensive line over the past few years. If the starting five can stay healthy, Detroit’s O-line could finally become a strength.
Bob Quinn has made it a mission to have a great OL. He has acquired all 5 of the Lions starters.
— Brett Whitefield (@BGWhitefield) April 27, 2018
2016 Offseason: Drafted Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Joe Dahl
2017 Offseason: Signed TJ Lang and Rick Wagner
2018 Offseason: Drafted Frank Ragnow.
Left tackle Taylor Decker could soon become one of the best in the league. I also like the addition of Frank Ragnow in the first round of this year’s draft. And don’t forget about former Packer T.J. Lang, who was a Pro Bowler last season.
The offseason work has been done. Now it all needs to come together for the Lions. If the offensive line stays relatively healthy and lives up to its potential, it’ll be great news for not just Matthew Stafford, but the Lions’ run game, which has been nonexistent for too long.
Cause for concern: Pass rush
The Lions need more sacks. Ezekiel Ansah has had to do most of the work on his own in recent years. But while he did finish 2017 with 12 sacks, six of those came in the final two games of the season. Ansah has also had some injury concerns in recent years, and hasn’t played all 16 games in a season since 2015.
Detroit ranked No. 27 in pass defense last season. Unless the Lions can create more consistent pressure up front, their defense may struggle to reach the next level.