Two key players that can propel the Lions into the NFC Championship game
The return of missing defensive pieces
Last night, the Detroit Lions emerged victorious in the first playoff game in the history of Ford Field. It was a night occupied by narratives: Matthew Stafford back in Motown, Jared Goff’s revenge and the death of the “Same Old Lions”. In the end, it was the Lions narrowly escaping the Los Angeles Rams, winning 24-23 to advance to the NFC Divisional Playoffs. Which brings another opportunity for this Lions team to make history.
For the first time in franchise history, there will be more than one playoff game in the city of Detroit. The Lions will be hosting the winner of today’s Wildcard matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in front of what will be another vociferous and impactful home crowd.
Now, the Lions offense is one of the best in the NFL. They are loaded with talent throughout the unit, led by two First-Team All-Pros in Right Tackle Penei Sewell and Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. However, the defensive side of the ball is still VERY suspect.
Against the Rams, the Lions defense allowed 425 total yards, with 357 of those coming through the air. The secondary looked like Swiss cheese for most of the night. Both of the Rams’ touchdowns came through the air by way of a 49 yard reception by rookie sensation Puka Nacua and a 38 yard reception by Tutu Atwell. Nacua by himself racked up 9 catches for 181 rec yards and the touchdown.
But this is nothing new for Detroit, as they gave up the fourth most passing yards this season with 4,562 yards allowed. Thankfully, the Buccaneers and Eagles are also porous on defense, allowing the third and fifth most passing yards respectively this season.
Fortunately for the Lions, two very impactful players are making their return at the perfect time.
James Houston IV, Edge
The first player is one that is relatively unknown to those outside of the Lions’ fanbase, James Houston IV. After sustaining an ankle injury in Week 2 that landed him on the IR, Houston IV will be making his return this week and it couldn’t have been at a better time.
Last season, Houston IV made an immediate impact as a rookie for the Lions. He was the perfect compliment to the man on the other side, Aiden Hutchinson. Having one elite pass rusher is great. But what about when he doesn’t get to the Quarterback? That’s where Houston IV would come in. In 2022, Hutch led all rookies in sacks with 9.5. Who came in second? Houston IV, with 8.0 sacks in just seven games played.
Detroit has struggled all year at getting to the QB, ranking 23rd in the league with just 41.0 total sacks on the year. 11.5 of those coming from Hutch. The return of Houston IV will greatly bolster the Lions’s ability to disrupt the offense. Less time for the opposing QB will make life much easier on the secondary and create more opportunity for turnovers.
CJ Gardner-Johnson, Defensive Back
The second player is the Lions biggest free-agent acquisition in recent years, C.J. “Ceedy Deuce” Gardner-Johnson. In 2022, C.J. was tied for the league lead in interceptions with 6 while helping lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance. After wanting a culture change, he decided to come play for Dan Campbell and help the Lions beef up their defense that was somehow much worse than they currently are.
Unfortunately, he went down with what looked like a season ending torn pectoral muscle in Week 2. Unlike Houston IV, C.J. was able to return in the Lions’ final game of the regular season. Although he was on a snap count, he looked healthy and somehow managed to get an interception. He was also able to play last night against the Rams, racking up 7 total tackles.
But for a defensive back, it takes time to get your feet back under you. DB is arguably the hardest position in the game of football. They have to mirror the movements of another person — who is most likely incredibly fast — while moving backwards and being conscious of other threats in their vicinity.
Now with two games under his belt, I’m predicting C.J. will have his best game since returning from the IR. He’s a game changer and the voice of this secondary. His presence on the field alone makes the rest of the unit play with a new intensity that will give the Lions a chance to win games.
Regardless of their opponent, the Lions will surely be the favorites to win. This team was already very good. But getting a talent boost in playoffs could be the thing that makes them great.