How the Lions Have Adjusted to Adversity
From the outside looking in, it seems like the Lions have it easy. They seem to be winning each of their games by a decent amount of points. However, they have had to make adjustments when bad things happen so they can continue winning. They have had two major setbacks that they have had to adjust to. First, Aidan Hutchinson got injured. Then, Jameson Williams was suspended. The Detroit Lions needed to respond.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Injury
Aidan Hutchinson fractured his fibula and tibia as he was tackling Dak Prescott in Week Six. Even though the Lions were winning by a lot in that game, it seemed like there was a huge shift in energy on the Lions’ sideline after Hutchinson got hurt. After he was injured, there was less pressure on the opposing team’s quarterbacks, but the secondary picked up the slack. Kerby Joseph has six interceptions this season and is a huge reason why the loss of Hutchinson has not broken the Lions. The Lions also just traded for Za’Darius Smith, who played defensive end for the Browns. Smith offers leadership to the Lions and is a great solution to replace Hutchinson for the time being.
Jameson Williams’ Absence
Jameson Williams was suspended for two games after violating the performance-enhancing substance policy. However, the Detroit Lions wide receivers have filled his shoes well. Sam LaPorta has found his place in the offense ever since Williams left. Against the Titans, LaPorta had 48 yards and a touchdown. Kalif Raymond, another wide receiver, had a touchdown as he returned a punt on special teams. The Detroit Lions running game has stepped up to fill the void as well. Against the Titans, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs had 160 yards and two touchdowns. They had 138 yards and a touchdown against the Packers.
From the outside looking in, it seems like the Lions have it easy. However, they have had obstacles this season that they have had to adjust to. The Detroit Lions have adjusted to Aidan Hutchinson’s injury by putting more weight on their secondary and signing Za’Darius Smith. They have adjusted to Jameson Williams’ absence by putting pressure on Sam LaPorta and Kalif Raymond. If the Detroit Lions can continue to make adjustments, then they will continue to be successful.
