The Detroit Lions defense started fairly strong in 2017. For much of the season, this unit was near the top of the league in takeaways, ending the year with 32, third most in the NFL. But as the season wore on, injuries, inexperience and inconsistent play plagued this defense.
With the expected hire of Matt Patricia, the New England Patroits longtime defensive coordinator, the Lions defense can expect to see a complete scheme change. Which is evidenced by the fact the majority of Detroit’s defensive coaching staff is missing right now, with their replacements expected to be found and/or named following Patricia’s Super Bowl commitments.