The Detroit Lions' System Couldn't Keep Up with the Pace
Christmas Day marked a turning point for the Lions, a day when their season slipped through their fingers. A loss to Minnesota left them with a 23-10 final score, making it clear that not everything is broken, but their system still needs work.
Their identity has been clearest when the run game is a certainty. However, this season, that certainty did not always show up, and the reasons were both structural and situational. The Lions started with a loss in Green Bay, then erupted at home against Chicago before stumbling in Kansas City. They rebuilt momentum but couldn't sustain it.
Their system is supposed to be built on physicality, winning in the run game, protecting Jared Goff, and creating clean throws through rhythm and timing. A defense that does enough early, then takes the air out of games with pressure, tackling, and situational stops. However, this season, their offense couldn't consistently play the football it is designed to play.
The offense's struggles were due to too many parts of its identity blurring. They still had days where they looked powerful, scoring 44 points against Washington. But those moments couldn't be sustained throughout the game, and the team often needed to rescue themselves with big passing plays.
Coaching continuity has been a critical factor in their offense's performance. The absence of Ben Johnson from the offensive coordinator role may have contributed to the Lions' inconsistent feel. Coaching stability is crucial for an offense built on timing and sequencing.
Their defense was also unable to hold up, especially after the initial weeks of the season. A scoring defense drop of 23 places left them vulnerable in key situations, and the inability to generate pressure made their margin thin.
Injuries did play a role in the Lions' performance this year, but it's not the only reason they didn't meet their goals. The team needs to address its aging offensive line and pass rush that often felt nonexistent.
A system that fails to adapt can lead to predictable football, which is what the NFL punishes over 17 weeks. The Lions need to acknowledge this and build a system that survives the tough times, when everything hurts, or the script goes sideways.
Getting back to January football requires specifics. They need to fix their run game, protect Jared Goff, create clean throws through rhythm and timing, generate pressure on the defense, and maintain a healthy and deep offensive line plan.
Christmas Day marked a turning point for the Lions, a day when their season slipped through their fingers. A loss to Minnesota left them with a 23-10 final score, making it clear that not everything is broken, but their system still needs work.
Their identity has been clearest when the run game is a certainty. However, this season, that certainty did not always show up, and the reasons were both structural and situational. The Lions started with a loss in Green Bay, then erupted at home against Chicago before stumbling in Kansas City. They rebuilt momentum but couldn't sustain it.
Their system is supposed to be built on physicality, winning in the run game, protecting Jared Goff, and creating clean throws through rhythm and timing. A defense that does enough early, then takes the air out of games with pressure, tackling, and situational stops. However, this season, their offense couldn't consistently play the football it is designed to play.
The offense's struggles were due to too many parts of its identity blurring. They still had days where they looked powerful, scoring 44 points against Washington. But those moments couldn't be sustained throughout the game, and the team often needed to rescue themselves with big passing plays.
Coaching continuity has been a critical factor in their offense's performance. The absence of Ben Johnson from the offensive coordinator role may have contributed to the Lions' inconsistent feel. Coaching stability is crucial for an offense built on timing and sequencing.
Their defense was also unable to hold up, especially after the initial weeks of the season. A scoring defense drop of 23 places left them vulnerable in key situations, and the inability to generate pressure made their margin thin.
Injuries did play a role in the Lions' performance this year, but it's not the only reason they didn't meet their goals. The team needs to address its aging offensive line and pass rush that often felt nonexistent.
A system that fails to adapt can lead to predictable football, which is what the NFL punishes over 17 weeks. The Lions need to acknowledge this and build a system that survives the tough times, when everything hurts, or the script goes sideways.
Getting back to January football requires specifics. They need to fix their run game, protect Jared Goff, create clean throws through rhythm and timing, generate pressure on the defense, and maintain a healthy and deep offensive line plan.
I think the Detroit Lions' struggles are a great case study for the importance of system adaptability in sports 
. Their run game was their identity, but it's clear they struggled to sustain momentum throughout games 
. The lack of physicality on offense and defensive inconsistencies were major issues 
. It's interesting that coaching continuity was highlighted as a factor - stability is crucial for an offense built on timing and sequencing 
. To get back on track in January, the Lions need to address their aging O-line, pass rush, and defense 
. I'd love to see them implement more situational plays and flexibility in their system to account for different game scenarios 
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they got some solid wins this season but when it comes down to it they just couldn't sustain that momentum throughout the whole game. imo their system needs a major overhaul, gotta get rid of all the blurring and focus on one thing at a time. coaching stability is key, like ben johnson left and it was noticeable 
their pass rush has been lacking too, aging oline won't cut it anymore. got to get back to basics and rebuild from there 
. this season was all over the place, i mean we saw glimpses of power but then what? they got dismantled by minnesota on christmas day like that was gonna be the turning point or something lol. their system is just too rigid, it's like they're stuck in a never ending loop of "we need to do this" but can't seem to execute even the simplest plays. and don't even get me started on coaching stability, ben johnson's absence must've been felt big time, but i guess that's not gonna be addressed anytime soon... age is just catching up with them too, their o-line and pass rush are basically non-existent now... gotta feel like they're trying to ride the momentum for as long as they can before it all comes crashing down 
. ben johnson wasnt even there all season and still managed to put together a decent offense. its time for them to revamp their whole strategy not just tweak the ol' system 
i dont think its all about the system its more like they havent figured out how to execute it yet 
its like they cant take care of the little things, you know? protecting jared goff, creating rhythm and timing... those are key components of a good offense 
. I mean, Ben Johnson's departure from the OC role might've thrown off their timing and sequencing. And don't even get me started on their aging O-line... that pass rush was basically non-existent 
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. A 23-spot drop in scoring defense? That's a major issue right there. They need to address those issues ASAP, or else January football won't be pretty for them 
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one minute they're lighting it up at home against chicago and the next they're getting destroyed by minnesota 23-10. i think their system needs to work on being more consistent, not just when the run game is going well but also in those situations where they need to rely on jared goff's arm to bail them out 
and hope they get it together next year 
. They also need to work on their pass rush and O-line, can't have the line struggling if they want to protect Jared Goff 
! They've got some big changes ahead, but I think it's exactly what they need to turn their game around. That aging O-line is killing them, and if they don't revamp it ASAP, it's gonna be a long year 
. But hey, at least Jared Goff is still our boy, right? 
i think their system is super flawed cuz it relies on so many things working together seamlessly, but when one part breaks down it all falls apart 
but it was all over in a flash 
they need to work on their run game big time 
and pass rush 
coaching stability is key 
they cant have coaches switching around too much 
Jared goff needs some protection 
can't have him taking hits all game 