Coming into the 2026 season, there were two major questions surrounding the Detroit Lions. Can their offensive line improve after a down year, and can their defense be somewhat passable? These two questions would hold the key to Detroit's success this year.
So far, the answer to the second question threatens to completely derail the Lions' 2026 season. Through two games, Detroit's defense hasn't been close to passable. They've been one of the worst units to watch on the field, and the stats support this. It's now time for the Lions to quickly evaluate their options and try to fix this defense before they dig themselves into a bigger hole.
Lions' defense is already proving to be problematic two weeks in
Last season, the Lions' defense was one of the worst units in the league. Injuries definitely played a part in their struggles last year, with many key players missing significant time. That, combined with their offensive line struggling to stay healthy and the backups faltering, led to perhaps the worst season Detroit has seen in quite some time.
The Lions went ahead and addressed their offensive line woes, bringing in reinforcements to bolster their interior defensive line. However, in what might be the strangest decision made by a team this offseason, Detroit did not bring in any additions to their secondary. Detroit's defensive back room is perhaps the worst in the league for a multitude of reasons.
The Lions simply don't have any cornerbacks who are worthy of being named a top cornerback⦠or even a passable cornerback. Detroit's best option last season was probably Rock Ya-Sin, who was just average at best. Terrion Arnold was terrible even before his legal issues arose. And yet⦠Detroit waited until the fifth round of this year's draft to take a cornerback. They also didn't try to acquire a cornerback from the free-agent market.
At the safety position, the Lions are still missing two of the best players on defense due to major injuries. Their starting safety duo of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are still out due to injuries, with both players still on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Again, Detroit has done nothing to help out that unit as well. It's like they threw their secondary to the wolves and prayed for the best.
The Lions have talented players at other positions. Aidan Hutchinson is a workhorse who's able to get to the quarterback and generate pressure. The defensive line is good enough to capitalize on Hutch's gravity. They also have a solid linebacker core led by former All-Pro Jack Campbell.
None of that is enough to mask their issues in the secondary. So far, they've given up 369 and 446 yards of total yards in their first two games. The passing defense has been terrible, as expected: they're allowing 9.72 yards per completion through the first two games. They're giving up chunk plays left and right, giving their opponents great field position on every drive.
What's even more concerning is their run defense. Giving up 203 rushing yards, even to an elite rushing team like the Bills, is simply unacceptable. It seemed like every time the ball was handed off, James Cook would get at least ten yards. Fans were hoping that the talent from their other skill positions would mask their issues, but it seems like that won't be the case.
Detroit at least has the offense to potentially win a shootout. Drew Petzing's scheme has been visibly better than whatever they were trotting out last year. The Lions are in virtually the same position they were in last year. The Lions don't need a great defense. One could even say they don't need a good defense.
All they need is just passable play from that side of the ball. And so far, they're unable to deliver that.