Poll: Does the Lions Defense Get a Pass Due to Injuries?

Does Matt Patricia's defense get a pass due to the numerous injuries?

After three games, the Lions had a record of 2-0-1. Since then, Detroit has gone 1-6. 

Obviously, not having Matthew Stafford available the last two weeks is not ideal. The offense has been consistently scoring points and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell should be credited with conceiving a game plan that highlighted the strengths of backup Jeff Driskel. 

Driskel has been serviceable, but has not received any level of support from the defense.

Against the Cowboys, the Lions gave up 509 yards of total offense. Dak Prescott threw for 444 yards. Star running back Ezekiel Elliott was held to 45 yards rushing on 16 carries.

The sheer number of injuries along the defensive line cannot be discounted. 

Can Matt Patricia actually run the defense he would like to run? Let's take a look at the injury situation that has significantly hampered the Lions roster.

Mike Daniels has worked his way back from injury, but he missed half the season with a foot injury. Romeo Okwara and Da'Shawn Hand have also missed game action. 

Trey Flowers, working his way back from shoulder surgery to start the season is now currently in concussion protocol after the Cowboys game. 

In the secondary, emerging safety Tracy Walker has also missed game action. 

Linebacker Jarrad Davis suffered an injury in the preseason that hindered the start of his season.

Along with injuries that have affected players ability to get on the field, the practice injury report has been filled with Lions defenders in the past few weeks. 

Is this an excuse? Vote and let us know if you think Patricia's defense does indeed deserve a pass. 

Also, leave a comment and let us know what are your impressions of Matt Patricia's defense in 2019. 

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