By Moses Joshua 
Despite Dominant Defense, Detroit Must Shore Up Its Pass Rush Depth Before November 4
Bye Week Arrives at the Perfect Time
The bye week couldn’t have come soon enough for the Detroit Lions. After a bruising stretch of physical matchups and a growing list of injuries, the extra week of rest is exactly what the team needs. But that didn’t stop Kelvin Sheppard’s defense from putting on a show in primetime.
In their 24–9 Monday Night Football victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit’s defense looked like a unit possessed. Despite missing multiple starters, the group suffocated Baker Mayfield’s offense, holding them to just 251 total yards while forcing turnovers and delivering relentless pressure.
It was a statement performance — but also a reminder that as dominant as this defense can be, it still has one glaring need heading into the trade deadline.
Depth Concerns at Defensive End Remain a Real Issue
While the Lions’ patchwork secondary deservedly earned the spotlight for exceeding expectations, the pass rush continues to be the team’s quiet strength — and potential Achilles’ heel.
Detroit generated 40 pressures, five sacks, and three quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus. Tyrus Wheat delivered a breakout performance, notching two sacks in just eight defensive snaps, while Al-Quadin Muhammad continued his standout season with another takedown.
Yet behind those bright moments lies a concern: depth. Beyond Aidan Hutchinson and Muhammad, the Lions’ edge rotation thins quickly. Tyler Lacy and Pat O’Connor have contributed sparingly, and neither has emerged as a consistent threat off the edge.
With Marcus Davenport still sidelined by a chest injury and Josh Paschal lacking a clear return timeline, the Lions’ pass rush remains one injury away from real trouble.
Why a Trade Makes Sense for a Contender
Detroit’s front office, led by Brad Holmes, has built a roster full of gritty, overachieving talent — and the coaching staff’s ability to maximize under-the-radar defenders has been a defining trait of the Dan Campbell era.
But if the Lions are serious about contending for a Super Bowl, they can’t rely solely on development and determination. Contenders need depth, particularly on the defensive line where fresh legs and relentless pressure often separate good teams from great ones.
Adding another proven pass rusher before the November 4 trade deadline could solidify Detroit’s defense for a playoff push. With opponents scheming to double Hutchinson, an additional edge presence could not only elevate the defense but also protect the team against fatigue and further injuries.
The Bottom Line
Detroit’s defense may have just delivered a Monday night masterpiece, but the tape doesn’t lie — there’s still work to be done. The Lions have built a contender capable of beating anyone in the NFC, yet their thin pass-rush rotation remains the one hole that could prove costly down the stretch.
If Holmes and Campbell want to keep this magical season rolling deep into January, a calculated move at the deadline might be the final piece that turns the Lions from playoff hopefuls into legitimate Super Bowl threats.