The Detroit Lions lead the league in total yards on offense, averaging 436.8 yards per game.
They are ranked fifth in passing yards (272.8) and sixth in rushing yards (164) per game.
The Lions also score the most points through Week 4 at 35 points per game.
But despite their brilliance on offense, they only have one win in four games.
The reason is in plain sight because their defense has been terrible.
The Lions and their opponents have now combined for 281 points through the first four games of the season.
That’s the most ever in NFL history.
Detroit leads the league in points scored at 35.0 per game and also leads the league in points allowed at 35.3.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 3, 2022
ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted, “The Lions and their opponents have now combined for 281 points through the first four games of the season. That’s the most ever in NFL history. Detroit leads the league in points scored at 35.0 per game and also leads the league in points allowed at 35.3.”
The three Lions losses were decided by four points or less.
However, they surrendered 38 points in their season opener against the still-undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.
They also gave up 28 points to the Minnesota Vikings and 48 to the Seattle Seahawks.
Their defeat to Seattle negated the 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns by Jamaal Williams.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson also had a monster game with eight catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
Jared Goff also had a solid game with 26 completions for 378 yards and four touchdowns.
Detroit’s Awful Defense
The Lions have some bright spots on defense, like Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Jeff Okudah.
Despite having those players, they are still giving up a league-worst 444.8 yards per game.
They are ranked 30th in both passing yards allowed (279.3) and rushing yards allowed (165.5) per game.
While they give up 35.3 points per game, the Lions surrendered just 27 points against the Washington Commanders in their only win so far.
A little intensity from their defense might have given them a favorable record after Week 4.
NEXT: The Lions Are Now Dealing With 2 Key Absences
