By Mmesoma 
With the 2025 NFL season approaching, the Detroit Lions are once again in the spotlight as a rising powerhouse in the NFC. Following a deep playoff run and a string of promising offseason moves, expectations are high for head coach Dan Campbell’s squad.
But not everyone is completely sold — and one NFL analyst is still sounding the alarm on Detroit’s secondary.
During a recent segment on ESPN, analyst and former NFL executive Louis Riddick identified the Lions’ defensive backfield as the team’s biggest lingering concern heading into training camp.
> “Detroit is close — very close — to being a complete team,” Riddick said. “But if you ask me what could still bite them late in the season or in a playoff shootout, it’s the secondary. That’s the one area where question marks remain.”
An Upgraded Unit, But Still Unproven
The Lions made significant efforts this offseason to strengthen their pass defense — a unit that finished near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed last season. The additions of veteran corner Carlton Davis III via trade and rookie standout Terrion Arnold from Alabama in the first round of the draft have brought both talent and excitement.
Still, the unit’s cohesion, depth, and durability remain a concern.
> “Davis has dealt with injuries, and Arnold is talented but untested in the pros,” Riddick added. “They need to show they can communicate, cover elite receivers, and hold up for four quarters against top quarterbacks.”
Stats Tell the Story
In 2024, the Lions allowed 4,221 passing yards — ranking 27th in the NFL. Opposing quarterbacks had a combined 98.3 passer rating against Detroit, and the defense surrendered 28 passing touchdowns, many of them in high-leverage moments.
While the front seven — led by Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill — has become one of the most feared in the league, the back end has struggled to capitalize.
> “You can’t pressure the quarterback forever,” Riddick said. “Eventually, your DBs have to hold their own. That’s where this team still needs to prove itself.”
Dan Campbell’s Confidence
Despite the concerns, Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in the secondary’s growth during offseason workouts.
> “We know what’s being said out there,” Campbell told reporters at minicamp. “But we like the group we have. They’re tough, they’re smart, and they’re getting better every day. It’s a challenge, and they’re embracing it.”
Veteran safety Kerby Joseph also pushed back on the criticism, saying the unit has added “experience, swagger, and accountability” this offseason.
> “People can talk,” Joseph said. “We’re going to show them what this group is really about.”
Looking Ahead
The Lions will get an early test in Week 1 when they host the Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford — a matchup that will put the new-look secondary under immediate pressure.
If the unit can hold up against the league’s top offenses, Detroit could become a serious Super Bowl contender. But if the secondary falters again, the playoff dreams of a city hungry for a title may once again fall short.