Detroit Lions 3 Questions
Detroit Lions
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When you look at the NFC North you ask yourself, when the last time was that the Detroit Lions were relevant. The answer was 2014. Ok, when was the last time they won the division? The answer, 1993 (NFC Central). Therefore, it has been a while since the Lions have been relevant. Will they be in 2017? Here are three questions they must answer heading into training camp.

We have arranged these questions from least to most important.

  1. How does the O-line gel in 2017?

The Detroit Lions have had some issues along the offensive line. Last season they finished ranked 20th in the league in sacks allowed. They averaged 2.4 sacks per game. They just acquired former Rams first rounder, Greg Robinson in a trade to complete their offensive line. This, in turn, should give some relief to QB Matthew Stafford. It should also help open some holes for the Lions running game.

  1. Can the Lions sustain a pass rush?

The Detroit Lions have some horses on the front of their defensive line. A’Shawn Robinson and Haloti Ngata anchor the middle. While pass rushing star Ziggy Ansah and Cornelius Washington secure the outside. However, with those big names on the line the Lions still only averaged 1.7 sacks per game in 2016. Not getting pressure on the opposing QB creates added pressure on your secondary. Will the Lions be able to change this in 2017?

  1. Will there be an acceptable running game?

In 2016, the Lions were counting on the second year back Ameer Abdullah to lead the way. However, he suffered an injury early in the year. He would miss the remainder of the season after the Lions placed him on injured reserve on September 21, 2016. The Detroit Lions run game would suffer the rest of the season. Can Abdullah return to lead the Lions in 2017?

The Detroit Lions have the pieces to be a successful team in 2017. They must find the answers to these questions early in training camp. If they are able to do that, we could see a strong 3-team race for the NFC North Division Championship in 2017.

What questions do you have about the Detroit Lions? Leave your questions below.

You can follow Sean on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat @NFLINSC.

 

 

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