The Detroit Lions were perfectly adequate defensively last season. While many expected the Lions to dominate on defense under the tutelage of rookie head coach Matt Patricia, former defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, they instead were solidly average on that side of the ball.
Detroit was 15th in overall yards allowed, and ranked top-10 in both passing and rushing yards allowed. The Lions surrendered 22.5 points per game last season, smack dab in the middle of the league, which is actually an impressive feat considering they were second-to-last in takeaways. With another year in Patricia's system, plus the additions of impact free agent additions like edge rusher Trey Flowers and Justin Coleman, Detroit should be improved on defense in 2019.
But it's changes on the other side of the ball that has Lions fans most excited. New offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell replaces the ousted Jim Bob Cooter, and he and Patrica have insisted Detroit's new offensive attack will emphasize the run, better partnering the team's offensive approach with its defensive identity. Poised to be the biggest beneficiary of Bevell's appointment? Sophomore running back Kerryon Johnson, who had a standout rookie campaign on low-usage numbers.
The former Auburn running back rushed for 641 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie, adding 32 catches for 213 yards and a score. ESPN is predicting even bigger things for Johnson in 2019: 224 carries, 1,039 yards, 4.6 yards per carry, and six touchdowns, to go along with 43 receptions, 311 yards, and one touchdown.
Obviously, much of Detroit's success on offense will come down to the play of Matthew Stafford. But if Bevell is able to accelerate Johnson's track to stardom, the Lions should be positioned well in the NFC North regardless.
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