The Detroit Lions secured a 33-28 victory against the New Orleans Saints, marking a rebound from their Thanksgiving loss. Despite initially establishing a commanding 21-point lead, the Lions faced a resilient Saints team that narrowed the gap to within a field goal in the third quarter. The Lions offense responded, regaining a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, only to concede another touchdown, providing the Saints an opportunity to seize the lead in the final minutes.
The Lions’ defensive struggles have persisted, allowing at least 26 points for the fourth consecutive week and yielding over 360 yards in three of the last four games. AtoZ Sports’ Mike Payton suggested considering a change in defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s play-calling duties. While firing Glenn might be a popular opinion among fans, Payton acknowledged that such changes are uncommon for teams in contention for a playoff spot.
Payton proposed an alternative: involving head coach Dan Campbell in the play-calling process, creating a defensive coaching committee rather than relying solely on one individual. Despite calls for change, firing Glenn seems unlikely given the team’s current 9-3 record and their position as top playoff contenders.
Statistically, the Lions’ defense has shown improvement in 2023, ranking sixth against the run compared to 29th last season. They also sit 14th in points allowed and 21st in passing yards allowed. However, deficiencies persist in both rushing and passing touchdowns allowed, placing them in the bottom half of the league.
Despite allowing over 26 points, the Lions’ defense recorded positive moments in Week 13, securing two sacks and two takeaways against the Saints. Veteran Bruce Irvin made a notable impact in his Lions debut with a sack, and rookie Brian Branch intercepted his first pass since Week 1. Payton emphasizes the need for defensive adjustments, particularly in countering repeated offensive strategies that exploit the Lions’ vulnerabilities.
The Lions’ defense faces challenges in red zone efficiency, allowing the Saints to score touchdowns on all four of their red zone possessions. Detroit’s red zone defense ranks among the NFL’s worst, with opponents scoring touchdowns on 71.79% of trips, tying for the second-worst red zone touchdown percentage in the league. As the team strives for defensive improvement, adjustments in play-calling and strategic responses are crucial elements highlighted by observers like Mike Payton.
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