I see the Lions as a cut below the Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys in the NFC. And I think those teams would take out the Lions in the playoffs because our secondary can be easily exploited. The issues have been masked by beating pedestrian QBs and offenses (Raiders, Carolina, Tampa, Atlanta, Green Bay). The victory over KC was without Kelce and KC’s receiving core is not good and made several big drops. I watched the Raiders tape and on the play Jimmy G missed Davante deep there were 5 open receivers and top QBs would’ve made massive gains on the play. 4 of those receivers would’ve gotten first downs on the 2nd and 15, and two of them (including Davante) would’ve been 80 yd TDs.
We also recall Baker missing big plays. I’m a little upset Brad didn’t find some secondary help on the market. I don’t see us getting past the Eagles, 49ers, or Cowboys in the playoffs (even at home) because of it. I’m not crushed because I think we can shore that up in the offseason draft and free agency, but it is a lost opportunity. Don’t get fooled by games like the Raiders…our secondary is a weakness that will be the team’s downfall in 2023-24. That’s my midseason take.
Our Pass Defense has been a weakness for a while, and that was clear as day during the Seattle and Baltimore games. Even watching the Raiders game I was noticing wide-open receivers. I think for the 2024 Offseason and Draft, we focus our attention more on the Secondary than before. Much like a good O-Line, it takes time to build a solid Secondary.
BNL fans - “Brad is God. MCDC is Jesus. The players are the Holy Spirit. We need nothing. Also, don’t you dare mention Jamo’s drops.”
SOL fans - “We fucking blew it. We’ll never win shit and we’re lucky to be 6-2. Everybody sucks.”
Logical fans - “The team has holes but it’s not a finished product yet. It’s only been 2.5 years and we’re probably ahead of schedule. Brad and MCDC have accomplished enough to earn the benefit of the doubt. Let’s enjoy the ride.”
Luckily those other teams have weaknesses as well.