4-Down Territory: Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions were just a few missteps away from making the playoffs from the AFC North. Their offense was strong, ranking seventh in the NFL in points scored (410), 13th in total yards (5,404), sixth in passing yards (4,183) and fourth in passing touchdowns (29). However, their rushing stats left much to be desired, ranking 32nd in yards (1,221) and 21st in rushing touchdowns (10).

As for their defense, things were not as smooth. The defense ranked 21st in points allowed (376), 27th in total yards allowed (5,692), 27th in passing yards allowed (3,892), 18th in rushing yards allowed (1,800) and 31st in rushing touchdowns allowed (18). It is assumed that due to the Lions’ inability to make the playoffs and the porous defense that they had in 2017, head coach Jim Caldwell was let go.

Enter former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. He takes over a Lions franchise that also boasts former Patriots executive Bob Quinn, who has been Detroit’s general manager through three seasons.

First Down: Can Patricia save the defense?

Patricia’s Patriots defense was horrendous in 2017. Many players played in and out of position and the talent just wasn’t there. However, the Lions have a bit more talent on their defense, despite the numbers that they put up in 2017. Detroit has added former New York Giants linebacker Devon Kennard who is a good edge-setter. In addition, the Lions have added linebackers Christian Jones and Jonathan Freeny, as well as nose tackle Sylvester Williams.

In a Patricia-led defense, the front seven will have to take on more gap responsibilities. This is especially true for the defensive linemen. With defensive lineman Kerry Hyder returning from injury, former third-round selection Anthony Zettel getting better and the Lions trading up to get defensive end Da’Shawn Hand in the fourth round, Patricia won’t have to do much saving of this improved defense.

Second Down: How much improved is Detroit’s running game with the new additions?

The Lions have a much stronger cast this season at the running back position. They have four running backs that can make an impact with Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick, the newly-signed LeGarrette Blount and second-round selection Kerryon Johnson.

Blount split carries with Jay Ajayi last season with the Super Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles, making 173 carries for 766 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Johnson had a great season at Auburn in 2017, rushing the ball 285 times, 1,391 rushing yards (4.9 yards per carry) and 18 rushing touchdowns.

In other words, the Lions are finally a formidable rushing team.

Third Down: Is Marvin Jones one of the most underrated receivers in the NFL?

If you haven’t heard of Jones by now, he was a fifth-round pick from California by the Cincinnati Bengals. He was always overshadowed by the likes of AJ Green and Andrew Hawkins, but provided the necessary boost that the club needed. Since joining the Lions in 2016, Jones has racked up 116 receptions for 2,031 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has also averaged a whopping 17.5 yards per catch. Just last season, Jones displayed that he was indeed a number one receiver by catching 61 passes for 1,101 yards and nine touchdowns.

The fact of the matter is that the 28-year old can ball. He’s been in the league and continued to put up solid stats, improving each and every season. He is definitely one of the more underrated the receivers in the league and fantasy owners should watch out for him.

Fourth Down: Is Matthew Stafford going to lead the team into the playoffs?

In an NFL where Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton play, Stafford has been an underrated leader for the Lions. It’s an undisputed fact that Stafford is the best quarterback in Detroit’s long history. He holds the highest passing yardage (34,749), most touchdowns (216) and the most wins in franchise history.

However, he hasn’t really gotten the support on the defensive side of the football or the running game that could propel him to playoff stardom. As mentioned previously, the Lions have improved both areas on paper. With a team that has a quality quarterback in Stafford, they can make it back to the playoffs in 2018.

Follow Kyle on Twitter @KyleAndrews1994