2022 NFL Team Preview: Detroit Lions

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The Detroit Lions enter 2022 in their second season under this new regime. Overall, the Motor City cats may have only finished 3-13-1, their second three-win season in a three-year span. The Lions were one of the most entertaining and hard-working three-win teams the NFL had ever seen, however. Detroit lost heartbreakers at the end. They were just a hair off on completing certain comeback attempts. But with the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions are primed to take a massive step forward, largely due to their toughness and acumen.

Key Additions/Re-Signings

Let’s now look into the transactions made by the Detroit Lions. Here are some of their key additions or re-signings for 2022.

Additions

• WR DJ Chark
• SAF DeShon Elliott
• LB Jarrad Davis
• CB Mike Hughes

Re-Signings

• SAF Tracy Walker (3 years/$25 million)
• DE Charles Harris (2 years/$13 million)
• WR Josh Reynolds (2 years/$12 million max value)
• WR Kalif Raymond (2 years/$5 million)
• LB Alex Anzalone (1 year/$2.25 million)
• QB Tim Boyle (1 year/$2 million)
• QB David Blough (1 year/$1.15 million)

Key Losses

Let’s quickly look into some key names that the Lions lost from their roster this offseason.

• DE/OLB Trey Flowers
• SAF Dean Marlowe
• DT John Penisini (retirement)
• LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Top Headlines That Will Define Lions’ 2022 Season

In this current rebuild that Detroit is in, the Lions have committed to it fully. They are bringing in the best talent that they possibly can in the draft, rather than drafting for positional needs. They have also been smart by not overspending in free agency. Instead, the Lions have brought in players who fit their culture, not looking to solely grab headlines. While the potential is there, even in 2022, this team still has to come through in crucial moments. Can the Lions turn the tide and take the next step in this rebuild? Here are the top headlines that will define the 2022 season in Detroit.

Is Jared Goff Able To Be Above Average?

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In his first year with the Lions, Jared Goff showed glimpses of efficient play. However, his play was extremely sheltered and safe. The term “game manager” should not be looked at in a discouraging way in today’s NFL. Though, Goff did not make enough plays out of structure to carry the Lions further. He had a solid completion percentage and few turnovers. Nevertheless, Goff will have to attack defenses and push the ball down the field more often in 2022 if Detroit wants to sneak into the playoffs.

Overall, the Lions have built an exciting pass catching group around him. Time will tell when first-round pick Jameson Williams makes his NFL debut, as he recovers from injury. Beyond that, the Lions have trustworthy veterans in TJ Hockenson and newcomer DJ Chark. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown also had one of the best finishes of all rookie receivers last year. With a full season of that production, Detroit suddenly has a group that can play with pace. Can Goff do more than just carry out the offense and light up the scoreboard?

Rookies Look To Make Immediate Impact

Outside of the recovering Williams, the Lions are slated to throw many of their 2022 rookies into the fold immediately. This regime has done a fine job of bringing in toughness, leadership and instinctive draft picks. You are seeing this new culture let players go and fly around. With having no handcuffs or training wheels, this team’s depth is truly shining, part of the reason as to why people believe in this rising core.

Looking at Detroit’s depth chart, many rookies are set to start or be rotational pieces. Aidan Hutchinson has already been wreaking havoc in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage during the preseason. Overall, he is the front runner for the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Others like Kerby Joseph, Malcolm Rodriguez and Chase Lucas could see starting reps and rotational work for the Lions. Detroit added many players who are coming off career-best seasons in college. Do not be surprised to see this group produce right away.

No-Name Secondary Looking To Play Spoiler Once Again

In the last handful of games last season, the Lions secondary became pests to play against. Cornerbacks like Amani Oruwariye and AJ Parker started to become reliable defenders. The duo made many plays on the football to finish the year. Moreover, Oruwariye and Parker showed improvement from the start of the season to the later months. Seeing that growth and response should give Detroit hope in the back seven once again, no matter how well known those names are.

With the depth they have assembled, the Lions are also looking for certain names to rebound or bounce back. Jeff Okudah has dealt with many injuries and the pressure of being a third overall draft pick. Losing his starting spot has already placed doubt from some people about his long-term future in Detroit. Yet, the Lions are hoping Okudah can remain as part of this new culture. If he can rediscover that playmaking ability that he had at Ohio State, this secondary will quickly become one of the more well-rounded, despite the supposed lack of star power.

Weak NFC North

For eight of the last eleven years, the Green Bay Packers have won the NFC North crown. They are looking for their fourth straight division title in 2022. Questions are running rampant around the Packers offense, though. Without Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers is forced to create new chemistry with younger receivers. Sure, you still have Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. But, Green Bay is set to use many inexperienced receivers in Christian Watson, Amari Rodgers and Romeo Doubs. Can the Packers stave off the Lions and their proven offensive arsenal?

Elsewhere, the Minnesota Vikings have a new head coach and a new GM. That brings about many questions about the long-term future for them during this sudden transition. What kind of differences will we see from the Kevin O’Connell-led team in purple? Possibly, the offense could be one of the higher scoring units in the entire NFL. This Vikings defense looks highly leaky on paper, however. Detroit could arguably have a better roster on paper.

Finally, the Chicago Bears appear to be destined for a top five draft pick in 2023. The 2022 season is filled with questions about the talent surrounding young quarterback Justin Fields. He may have to carry the entire load on his back. With some veterans looking for greener pastures after this season, Chicago is possibly set to undergo a massive transformation very soon. The Lions are well ahead of schedule, compared to the Bears, as things currently stand.

Playoff Caliber?

With that and the roster improvements in mind, it is not that far off to believe that the Detroit Lions could make the playoffs in 2022. You also have to look at the major difference in competition between the AFC and the NFC. Of course, you have the defending Super Bowl champions and other top quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Rodgers in the NFC. The Lions are still surrounded by many uncertain teams in the NFC, overall.

With their focus on establishing a culture, buying into and believing in players and lighter schedule, the Lions are set up well. Again, we still have to see them come through and step up in vital situations. There were already light steps taken by this franchise last season, though. With more aggressiveness and better handling of tight finishes, Detroit could be both entertaining and worthy contenders.

Be on the lookout for more 2022 NFL team previews here at Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.