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Lions Fans Have Strong, Very Mixed Reaction to Losing DE to Eagles

Fans react to veteran defender signing a one-year deal with the Eagles.
John Maakaron|
Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) laughs as he walks off the field in the second quarter against the Bears
Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) laughs as he walks off the field in the second quarter against the Bears | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

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Detroit Lions

The news sent shockwaves across social media.

Former Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith has found a new home. Unfortunately, after months of expressing his desire to return to Motown, the veteran defender has inked a one-year deal to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Lions supporters have been expressing frustration with the organization for the perceived lack of depth at the defensive end position.

New Detroit defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers shared with reporters his philosophy about earning the right to record sacks by being strong, stout against the run.

"Really, if you want sacks, you better stop the run. Because if you don't stop the run, you won't get sacks, because it's hard to get sacks on 3rd-and-2, 3rd-and-1. So, you better try to get them in third and long in order to get sacks," said Rodgers. "And it all works relative if you stop the run. We like to say you earn the right to sack the quarterback.

"If you're in 2nd-and-3 instead of 2nd-and-9, you didn't really earn the right to rush. They are going to limit your opportunities to rush. That's the kind of thing it is. That's really good. People get hung up on the sack number. You need 10 sacks this game. You need to finish around 50 -- this and that. And it's kind of all relative. It's all relative."

Supporters are still questioning if the team has enough depth behind Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport.

Davenport has not shown that he can stay healthy the past couple of years, and general manager Brad Holmes has not been all that lucky with those external free agents who have had a history of injuries.

Combined with the Packers making a move for Micah Parsons, supporters are starting to question if Holmes is doing enough to improve the roster.

One supporter shared, "Eagles are good and will likely win again. Gruden said Lions defense is lacking in the front. Our GM not willing to do what is necessary."

Others are happy the discussion about bringing back a 32-year-old aging defender will now end.

A supporter posted on social media, "Couldn't care less. I never thought they'd resign him."

Another expressed, "The team that played last night doesn’t scare me. The team with 99 doesn’t scare me."

Here is a sample of the reaction online to Smith not rejoining the Lions.

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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