Detroit Lions Offseason Needs: Defense headlines long list of needs

Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Detroit Lions, D'Andre Swift
D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions Offseason Needs: Run Blocking

The Detroit Lions have a solid running back duo in D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. The pair showcased their ability to not only run well on their own, but to also compliment each other well over the course of a game. Despite that, the Lions still were in the bottom portion of the league for their rushing attack.

As a team, the Lions totaled just 12 rushing touchdowns, which tied for 24th in the league. Detroit also tallied 1,886 rushing yards over the course of the season, which was 18th in the NFL. However, when you have two running backs life Swift and Williams, the results should be a bit better.

Now, some of this could be attributed to game script. The Lions were often fighting from behind, which usually results in more passing, no matter how strong the run game is at that time. Nevertheless, the Lions should continue building this offensive line with run blocking as the emphasis.

A new center could be on the docket for the Lions this offseason with the potential to upgrade their guards. The addition of Penei Sewell provides a strong foundation for this line for the foreseeable future, but more assets will need to be added around him.