A look at the Lions defense at the bye week

October 23, 2:21 PMDetroit Lions ExaminerChris Morgan

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Julian Peterson has been a great addition. (Getty Images)

Earlier this week, I looked at how the Lions offense has performed so far this season. My conclusion? Not good, but definitely showing minor improvements in important areas and Matthew Stafford (when healthy) has looked better than I expected. Today, I take a look at the defense.

As you likely recall, last season the Lion had one of the worst defenses ever in the history of professional football. They were atrocious. Thus, they brought in a defensive minded coach in Jim Schwartz, who in turn brought in esteemed defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham. They added several players through the draft, trades, and free agency. This year's defense looks almost nothing like last year's. However, how do the results on the field match up?

Well, they haven't exactly been good on defense. They're letting up 370.8 yards per game, good for 28th in the league. They're letting up 258.5 YPG passing (28th) and 112.3 rushing (19th). Wow, 19th in the league in rush yards allowed. Honestly, I'm quite happy with that compared to last season. However, I also didn't expect that. I still feel the team has trouble tackling, but at least they are showing clear improvement so far. As for points per game, they are letting up 31.3, which is 31st in the league. Although, that includes a game against the New Orleans Saints, who even lambasted the New York Giants. I expect that number to come down as the season progresses, but it will have to get a lot better to be even mediocre.

For comparison's sake, here's their numbers on the season for all of those categories last year: 404.4 YPG (32nd), 232.3 YPG passing (27th), 172.1 YPG rushing (32nd by a long shot), and 32.3 PPG (again, 32nd). So, as you can see, so far there is quite a bit of improvement everywhere except passing yards per game, but again I blame that partially on the Saints. Obviously, there is still several games left to play before we can really see just how much this defense has improved.

As for other defensive stats, so far the Lions have 15 sacked, led by Julian Peterson's 3.5. Last year, they had 30 on the season, so they are on pace to beat that by a decent margin. Just as importantly, the Lions have four interceptions this season, which is as many as they had in all of last year. Turnover ratio is vital for any team's success, so here's hoping they can improve on that even more in the future.

As for Football Outsiders advanced stats, they have the Lions as the 31st defense in the league, 30th against the pass and 19th against the run. Last year they were 32nd, so they are climbing one rung at a time.

That's what the statistics tell us, but here is what I feel from what I've seen. Like I mentioned earlier, I still don't feel this team tackles well enough. They have some problems at cornerback, where Coach Schwartz has to keep benching guys for performance reasons. However, Louis Delmas has the makings of a guy who will be making multiple visits to the Pro Bowl. That is looking like a great pick for the Lions. A great pick by Detroit? The Millen Era really is over. I also think that Deandre Levy has looked good when he's been in the game, which is promising. Julian Peterson and Larry Foote have played well, but they are on their last legs. Levy should be able to step in and fill one of their shoes (likely Foote's) when they move on.

The defensive line has also been mildly disappointing, but they have also been hurt by injuries. Jason Hunter (a great free agent value signing), Cliff Avril, and Dewayne White have all had injury issues which have limited their pass rushing abilities. Sammie Hill has also been injured as well. He still has a ways to go as a player, but having to play so much, even starting on occasion, straight out of Division II is impressive. Also, part of the reason the running defense is much improved is likely due to the presence of Grady Jackson. Alas, he has one season (at most) left in him. Thus, while the defense is improved this season, the Lions will need adequate replacements in short order.

Clearly, the Lions defense is better, perhaps you could even call it much improved. Of course, when you have one of the worst defenses in NFL history you don't have to do much to be greatly improved. The Lions still have a bad defense, one of the leagues worst. Still, I feel when the season is over, the numbers will be even better, and Detroit finally has promising young players on their defense. Yes, there is a long way to go, but the distance is much shorter than last season. In short order, if the Lions draft well and make more shrewd free agent signings, they could have a mediocre defense. After years of terrible defensive play, I would be more than happy with that.