Three reasons Detroit Lions fans should calm down
By Ash Thompson
The Lions pass rush
The Lions had problems getting pressure on the quarterback when actual NFL players were on the field. The Lions edge defenders did a horrendous job of defending the edge against the run as well. Clearly, the season is over, because every quarterback will have infinite time to throw the ball and every back will be able to squirt outside the tackle. That may be true, but we certainly don’t know it now.
Devon Kennard played in the game but he had only one week of practice while everyone else had two weeks. So in a new defense, where he is the player on the field with the most varied responsibilities, Kennard didn’t have a great day. He flashed some solid moments, and that’s all you can ask from a guy who is behind the development curve.
Ziggy Ansah wasn’t even on the field. It can not be stressed enough that the Lions pass rush is entirely dependent on Ansah’s health. The double and triple teams that Ansah draws free up the rest of the team for better opportunities. Teams that are double teaming any Lions interior linemen on passing downs during the season are in for a bad time. The Raiders were doing so often.
Anthony Zettel actually looked really good. He was playing all over the defensive line, and when the team was looking for someone to shoot a gap and provide penetration in the middle he did. He couldn’t hold up against the run on the inside, but expecting him to do that is insane. He just doesn’t have the bulk to do it.