The Detroit Lions are gearing up for their postseason journey, which kicks off next Saturday night against the Washington Commanders. With home-field advantage in their corner, Detroit has emerged as the favorite to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 59.
The Lions had an impressive run during the 2024 regular season, finishing with the league’s No. 1 offense. But despite all their success, there’s still no certainty that Dan Campbell’s squad will hoist the Super Bowl trophy when all is said and done.
Here are three key reasons why Detroit’s dream season might fall short of a championship.
1. Pass Rush Issues
One of Detroit’s biggest weaknesses throughout the 2024 campaign has been its pass rush. The team’s pass-rush unit has struggled with consistency, especially after Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured fibula and tibia in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. Hutchinson, who played only five games, still managed to lead the team with 7.5 sacks. The only other player to surpass 3.5 sacks in 2024 was trade acquisition Za’Darius Smith, who posted four sacks in eight games.
While Smith, with 69 career sacks to his name, can certainly pressure the quarterback, the team’s pass-rush issues could persist. This lack of consistent pressure may ultimately be the factor that prevents the Lions from reaching the Super Bowl.
2. Cornerbacks Struggling
The Lions’ cornerbacks have been another area of concern all season long, and heading into the playoffs, things aren’t looking much better. Carlton Davis, Detroit’s No. 1 corner, is expected to miss the entirety of the postseason due to a jaw injury. On top of that, starting corner Terrion Arnold, along with reserve players Khalil Dorsey and Kindle Vildor, have been unreliable in coverage.
This weak link in the defense is likely to be a continuing issue for the Lions as they advance through the playoffs. It could ultimately prove to be their undoing, potentially derailing their Super Bowl hopes.
3. Injuries Prove Too Difficult to Overcome
As the Detroit Lions continue their playoff push, injuries have been a constant challenge throughout the season. Yet, up until now, Dan Campbell’s squad has managed to overcome them at every turn.
The Lions have been hit hard, especially on the defensive side of the ball, losing key players like Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Alex Anzalone (who has since returned), defensive lineman Alim McNeill, and cornerback Carlton Davis. Despite these setbacks, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s unit has remained impressively productive, thanks in part to the efforts of unsung heroes like EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad and linebacker Trevor Nowaske.
The team has embraced the “next man up” mentality, which has been a driving force behind the franchise-record 15 regular season wins in 2024. However, relying on this approach isn’t sustainable, and with a tough divisional-round matchup against the Washington Commanders looming, the Lions could finally find themselves overwhelmed by injuries.
If the injury bug continues to bite, it could be the factor that prematurely ends Detroit’s dream season. Stay tuned as we watch how this plays out for Campbell & Co.
Stay tuned for more updates on Detroit’s postseason run and the challenges ahead.
