Allen Park — With linebacker DeAndre Levy out because of an injured hip, the Lions defense wasn’t at full strength.
Levy, their leading tackler last season who signed a four-year extension last month, is the Lions’ best defensive player and his absence was apparent among the defense’s many mistakes Sunday in their 33-28 loss to the Chargers.
Coach Jim Caldwell reiterated Levy’s importance to the defense Monday in his weekly news conference, but didn’t offer excuses about why the defense had such an inconsistent performance, giving up 30 straight points in giving up an 18-point lead.