LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts during the first half against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
The recent defensive battle of the Detroit Lions against the Los Angeles Chargers has generated a lot of conversation among observers and fans alike. The Lions’ defense against elite NFL offenses has come under scrutiny after they gave up 421 yards of offense and 38 points in a game that featured five straight touchdown drives by the Chargers. Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Lions, is unconcerned and confident despite this.
While acknowledging the brilliance of Justin Herbert, the quarterback for the Chargers, Glenn highlights how much the Lions’ defense has improved from the previous year. He highlights their growth from a bottom-tier defense to a top-10 defense this year, pointing out their accomplishments in a number of statistical areas.
We understand who we are. We were the lowest-ranked defense in the previous season, and this year, Glenn believes we’re in the top ten. That is a very, very significant improvement. In terms of our identity, we are aware of it. We can now play really, very fantastic ball when we go out there. The reason we are ranked so highly there is obvious. That applies to third down as well as other categories.
Glenn remarked, “This is the NFL; that’s what that is and it happens.” “I mean, nobody anticipated Cleveland to defeat Baltimore by thirty or more points, but it happened. And once more, guys, this isn’t little league football. Since this is the NFL, things will inevitably happen. However, our men do a fantastic job of fighting back every week to ensure that it doesn’t.
“I believe that a lot of people get sucked into the idea that this is what happened against a really good quarterback in this particular game.” And, really, everything goes haywire. No, it didn’t, Glenn admitted. “Guys, our defense is still pretty damn good.”
Despite their recent slip-up against the Chargers, Aaron Glenn’s unfailing faith in the Detroit Lions defense says volumes about the team’s character and resiliency. It’s about appreciating the journey and development of a squad that refuses to be defined by a single performance, not simply about coming back from a difficult game.
