Dan Campbell had a lot to change coming in as a new head coach for the Detroit Lions this past season. This was their first season without Matthew Stafford under center since 2007. Jared Goff came over from the Los Angeles Rams and took over at quarterback. Needless to say, the Lions had some growing pains as they did not get their first win until Week 13. They ended the year with a 3-13-1 record and have the second pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. For the Lions, their list of things to accomplish in the 2022 NFL offseason extends beyond the rookie draft.
The following provides a list of three things for the Detroit Lions to address in the 2022 NFL offseason.
3 Things for Detroit Lions to Address in the 2022 NFL Offseason
1. Draft Defensive Playmakers
The Detroit Lions were 31st defensively in points allowed and 29th in total yards allowed this past season. The defense needs to improve in the worst way if this franchise is to put an end to their losing ways in the near future. The Lions have the second overall pick and there are two great edge rushers on the board in this year’s NFL Draft. One of Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux or Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson had better hear their name called at this spot on draft day.
2. Find Jared Goff Some WR Help
Jared Goff needs some wide receivers in a big way. He has a stud running back in D’Andre Swift who can both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. Goff also has a reliable tight end in T.J. Hockenson. Rookie wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown was a nice surprise at the end of the year. That being said, the Detroit Lions still need some other pieces at the offensive skill positions. Look for the Lions to make a big move or two in free agency.
3. Learn How to Close Out Games
The Lions had so many heartbreaking losses during the 2021 season. In Week 3, they lost to the Baltimore Ravens on a last-second 66-yard field goal. Two weeks later, they lost on another last-second field goal to the Minnesota Vikings. Then, Detroit tied the Pittsburgh Steelers after a late missed field goal that would have won it. They also lost to the Chicago Bears on yet another last-second field goal.
In total, that is four losses on late-game mishaps that could have very easily been wins. The Detroit Lions and Dan Campbell need to clean that up going forward. It very well could be the difference between making the playoffs and falling short. Correcting this problem and instilling a winning culture will be vital during the 2022 NFL offseason.
