The Detroit Lions, under the leadership of Dan Campbell, have become one of the most formidable teams in the NFL this season, boasting an impressive 11-1 record.
Yet, despite their success, Bill Belichick, the legendary former Patriots head coach, has raised concerns about a critical flaw in their defense.
In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Belichick didn’t mince words regarding what he sees as a vulnerability in the Lions’ pass rush, particularly when facing mobile quarterbacks. “I think the Lions, whether that’s coach Campbell, [general manager] Brad Holmes, whoever it is, have certainly tried to address the pass rush situation. But they’re not getting enough pressure on the quarterback,” Belichick said.
The absence of Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a season-ending injury, has left a noticeable void in the Lions’ defensive line. While Detroit has managed to maintain their stellar record, Belichick highlighted that many of their sacks occur in late-game scenarios when they’re ahead, or due to quarterbacks holding onto the ball too long. “That’s going to be an issue against better teams, especially mobile quarterbacks,” he noted.
Belichick specifically pointed to the Lions’ struggles during their matchup against the Houston Texans. Despite ultimately securing the win, the Lions’ defense was exposed, particularly in the first half when they trailed by two touchdowns. He added, “They’ve gotten away with some things, but I don’t know if it’s going to hold up against teams with strong passing attacks or quarterbacks who can extend plays.”
While critical of Detroit’s pass rush, Belichick offered praise for their secondary, singling out safety Brian Branch. “Branch has had a fantastic year,” he said. “He’s been responsible for a lot of their big defensive plays—interceptions, pass breakups, even causing sacks by taking away key routes.”
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Branch’s standout performance has been a bright spot, but Belichick urged the Lions to find ways to complement his efforts. Whether through schematic changes or acquiring another edge rusher, he stressed the importance of bolstering their front line to better support players like Alim McNeill and to integrate linebacker blitz packages.
Looking ahead, the Lions face a challenging schedule with games against the Packers and Bills, among others. Belichick expressed concerns about how their defense might fare against these opponents. “I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, but they need to do better. They’ve been winning, but when you go against top-tier quarterbacks, those defensive lapses become glaring,” he said.
Belichick’s comments underline a broader theme: while the Lions have excelled this season, there’s little margin for error as the playoffs approach. Mobile quarterbacks and high-powered offenses could exploit their defensive vulnerabilities, making it imperative for Campbell’s squad to adapt.
Despite these critiques, the Lions have shown resilience throughout the season, overcoming key injuries and demonstrating a knack for finishing games strong. Their ability to address these concerns over the coming weeks could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.
Detroit’s journey continues, and while the pressure is mounting, so too is their opportunity to prove they belong among the NFL’s elite. For now, all eyes remain on Campbell and his staff as they navigate these challenges. If there’s one thing Belichick’s analysis makes clear, it’s that the Lions’ story this season is far from written.
