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Will the Detroit Lions be able to continue to win with opportunistic defense?

By Bruce Walker

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings is hit while throwing the ball by defender Anthony Zettel #69 of the Detroit Lions in the first quarter of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 1: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings is hit while throwing the ball by defender Anthony Zettel #69 of the Detroit Lions in the first quarter of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Tahir Whitehead #59 of the Detroit Lions signals a turnover after recovering a fumble by Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Tahir Whitehead #59 of the Detroit Lions signals a turnover after recovering a fumble by Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The second “Yes”. Forcing turnovers.

The Lions have taken the football away eleven times with seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

The last fumble that sealed the game against the Minnesota Vikings was a result of Glover Quinn securing the tackle with his left hand and punching the ball out with his right. That play is a savvy, veteran move that has become characteristic of Quin’s play.

Quin is the only player in the NFL right now with two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Other defensive players are actively playing the same way. They are putting a helmet on the ball, swatting, punching or otherwise separating the football from the other team.

The defensive line is putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, forcing them to rush throws. Those errant throws often have bounced into the hands of Lions defenders who are seemingly always in the right place to make plays.

The secondary is watching film and is highly prepared to take advantage of the tendencies of the opposition.

The scheme, the style of play, the hustle, the ball awareness and the intent to cause turnovers are all byproducts of coaching, game-planning, and preparation. As a result, I see no reason why these critical elements of the turnover ratio cannot be sustained, so I believe that they will continue.

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