NFL14 Oct 20261 minute read

Detroit Lions Enter Bye Week Seeking Balance After Arizona Win

Detroit stands at three wins and two losses after beating Arizona, balancing a top scoring attack with ongoing defensive adjustments.

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High Scoring Attack Sets the Early Tone

The Detroit Lions entered their Week 6 bye week with three wins and two losses. A 45-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals gave the team a lift following defensive issues during the first month of the season.

Under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Detroit is averaging 32.8 points per game. That matches the Buffalo Bills for the top scoring rate across the league. Jared Goff has thrown for 1,485 yards, second in the NFL, along with 12 touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs ranks fourth in the league with 504 rushing yards and leads the NFL with nine total scrimmage touchdowns.

Pass Rush Delivers as the Secondary Struggles

Detroit gave up an opening drive touchdown in Arizona before locking in. Linebacker Derrick Barnes revealed that head coach Dan Campbell sent several text messages during the week stressing the need to play with urgency and win.

The defensive front responded with consistent pressure. Detroit has recorded 20 sacks through five games, which is the best five game start in franchise history. Edge rusher DJ Wonnum leads the squad with 5.0 sacks. Aidan Hutchinson has 4.0, Alim McNeill has 3.5, and Barnes has 3.0. Even with that front line pressure, the secondary has surrendered 1,487 passing yards, the highest total in the NFL.

Areas to Fix Before Returning to Action

Dan Campbell wants his group to start games much faster. In Arizona, the offense produced three straight three and out series before finding rhythm and scoring on seven consecutive drives. This season, Detroit has managed only one touchdown on 13 drives that finished in the first quarter.

The team also needs better health in the defensive backfield. The defense has played without Kerby Joseph, while Thomas Harper and Avonte Maddox are currently on injured reserve. Pro Bowl defensive back Brian Branch had his 21 day practice window opened on Oct. 7 as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Campbell said he will not rush Branch back onto the field, though the defensive back noted he feels good and is ready to play.