Even though the Detroit Lions are 1-1 right now, the panic meter is high. Being completely outclassed by a fellow Super Bowl contender last Thursday has soured the mood in Detroit. Many Lions fans are now wondering whether this team, especially defensively, is good enough to contend.
The need for major changes is clear. Whether it's the scheme, personnel, or simply cleaning up mistakes, the Lions have to be much better starting in Week 3.
Dan Campbell said earlier in the week that everything is on the table, including giving a shot to players who haven't seen much action so far. This could inevitably result in some players seeing a reduced role.
Tyler Lacy
Lacy has had a larger-than-expected role on the defensive line through the first two games of the season. He played a total of 51 snaps, but he wasn't able to make much of an impact. Against the Bills, he was a part of the problem, getting called for a penalty and receiving a miserable 44.2 grade on Pro Football Focus.
The Lions like Lacy's versatility and ability to line up inside or outside. But the defense clearly needs a different look right now, and reducing Lacy's snaps in favor of Ahmed Hassanein or Eric O'Neill could benefit the team.
Hassanein has yet to make his season debut after being a training camp standout. O'Neill was also impressive in the preseason and may deserve more of a look over Lacy against the Jets.
Rock Ya-Sin
The secondary was Detroit's biggest problem through two weeks. Both the Saints and the Bills were able to carve up the Lions' defense in the passing game, and Ya-Sin was a huge reason why.
After exceeding most expectations last season, Ya-Sin was trusted to be the CB2 following Terrion Arnold's departure. So far, the 30-year-old cornerback has been one of the more disappointing players on the team.
Through two games, Ya-Sin has allowed 11 catches on 16 targets for 99 yards and a touchdown. He was called for three penalties and received a 43.7 defensive grade on PFF, ranking him 86th out of 96 qualified cornerbacks so far this season.
In addition to Keith Abney and Khalil Dorsey, the Lions have Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Nick Whiteside waiting on the sidelines. Giving a chance to one of these reserves could help improve Detroit's defensive backfield.
Larry Borom
This one is a problem that can easily be solved with returns from injury. Borom was a disaster in Week 2 when he started at right tackle in Blake Miller's absence. The veteran offensive tackle allowed two sacks and was called for three penalties.
Fortunately, Miller is expected to return to action in Week 3. Detroit's first-round pick was solid in his NFL debut against the Saints, and his return will help the Lions' offensive line going forward.
Lions fans would be thrilled if they never saw Borom in action again this season. If the team can avoid injuries in the trenches, the offensive line can go back to being a big strength for the Lions.
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