The Detroit Lions have struggled thus far in the 2018 season, and the reason for their struggles have been numerous as have some of the potential fixes that they will have to make this offseason in order to get things back on the right track for 2019. So as the Lions season gets set to shift from talk about the potential for a postseason run to what has to happen next, there are plenty of spots where the Lions have to improve and focus on in order to get to the level they expect to perform at under Matt Patricia.
So what spots do they have to get fixed next season in order to beef up a team which might be plenty needy? Here’s a look at the biggest fixes Bob Quinn will consider.
1. More depth in the secondary. The Lions have had a problem minus Darius Slay at times this season, and it’s clear with what they are trying down the stretch in Mike Ford, Nevin Lawson, Teez Tabor and company that they are not happy with the results they have had there since. Obviously, the Lions could need a boost from some players at the spot and they need an infusion of new talent and depth. Not enough attention was paid to this group last offseason, and it’s showed in a big way. An elite corner is needed to go opposite Slay, because the Lions can’t keep scraping by.
2. Pass rush help. Detroit has gotten decent results from the linebacking group in terms of the pass rush and Romeo Okwara has been a breath of fresh air as has Da’Shawn Hand. Minus that, the group needs some sprucing up, perhaps early in the draft too when they decide who to nab and move on from. Detroit needs a better front four pass rush and that will be huge for them turning around their fortunes for next season. Coverage sacks are nice, but Detroit has to generate a pass rush on their own from the front four, and it will take perhaps a rookie and free agency signing to do it.
3. More explosive weapons. The Lions traded away Golden Tate at the trade deadline and have been lacking explosion on offense ever since. They have some solid new weapons, but more will be needed, especially at tight end and perhaps another wide receiver capable of opening things up for the offense with speed and agility. The Lions have a decent start to build on, but if they were to add just a few more players it could be huge for their entire offense turnaround.
4. A new offensive coordinator. Jim Bob Cooter is a major problem for the Lions, and there’s no other way to spin it. The inconsistencies of the offense fall on the coaching staff and it’s something the team has to address this offseason in a major way. If the Lions want to take a step forward for 2019, they need to find an upgrade on the offensive coaching staff and this would be huge toward the goal of turning things around for the offense. Matt Patricia has to make a move.
5. Tough decisions on veteran players. Whether it’s T.J. Lang or Glover Quin, the Lions are going to be challenged to make the right call and the tough call this offseason in terms of who stays and who goes. Arguably, none of these veterans have earned another chance at their current prices for the team, so some tough decisions will have to be made for the squad with regards to veteran players. It will be up to the Lions to get some more money to spend with some of these moves.
