The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s most exciting teams in 2024, riding high on a potent offense and a defense that’s shown significant improvement from previous seasons. However, as the team gears up for a crucial stretch run, key injuries to defensive stalwarts Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, and Josh Paschal are raising serious concerns. While the Lions have made tremendous strides under head coach Dan Campbell, their ability to contend for a deep playoff run may now depend on how they manage these absences.
With McNeill and Onwuzurike expected to miss significant time, and Paschal’s status uncertain, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: Can Detroit’s defense survive without these key players, or will the injuries derail their playoff aspirations?
The Impact of McNeill and Onwuzurike’s Absence
The Lions’ defensive line has been one of the most improved units this season, thanks in no small part to the play of defensive tackle Alim McNeill and defensive end Levi Onwuzurike. McNeill, in particular, has been a force in the middle of the defense, plugging gaps, stopping the run, and applying pressure up the middle. His ability to disrupt the offensive line and collapse the pocket has given Detroit’s defense a much-needed presence on the interior.
Onwuzurike, meanwhile, has been quietly solid on the edge, setting the tone for the defensive front with his quickness and pass-rushing ability. Losing both of these players in a short window of time is a significant blow, especially as the Lions prepare to face some of the league’s most potent offenses in the coming weeks.
The heart of Detroit’s defense may now be severely compromised. Without McNeill and Onwuzurike, the Lions risk losing the physicality and depth they’ve enjoyed all season. Opponents will likely target the gaps in the middle of the line and attempt to expose the Lions’ weakened pass rush. Against high-powered offenses like the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles, this could be disastrous.
Josh Paschal: A Critical Loss to the Depth Chart
While McNeill and Onwuzurike have been key starters, the loss of Josh Paschal, a promising young pass rusher, further weakens Detroit’s defensive depth. Paschal, who was expected to be a rotational player but has shown flashes of starting-caliber play, has been a key part of Detroit’s defensive line rotation. His versatility to play both inside and outside allows the Lions to create different pressure packages.
With Paschal likely sidelined for a few weeks, the Lions will have to lean heavily on their backups, which is a risky proposition. Players like James Houston and others will need to step up in ways they haven’t been asked to before. If they fail to provide the same level of disruption, Detroit could be in trouble.
Can the Defense Hold Up?
The Lions’ defense, while improved, is still a work in progress. It’s not a top-tier unit yet, and the absence of these key players may expose some of its flaws. Detroit has relied heavily on its front seven to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but without McNeill and Onwuzurike, they may struggle to generate consistent pressure up the middle. This puts more pressure on the secondary, which is also dealing with its own set of injuries and is already vulnerable to explosive plays.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will now have to dig deep into his playbook to compensate for the losses up front. He’ll need to get creative with blitz packages, rely more on his linebackers for gap control, and hope that his depth players can rise to the occasion. But it’s one thing to scheme your way to success—it’s another to execute with less talented or experienced players, and that’s exactly the challenge Detroit faces over the coming weeks.
Will the Offense Be Enough?
With the defense taking a step back, the Lions will need their high-octane offense to carry them through these injuries. Fortunately for Detroit, they have one of the most dynamic offensive units in the NFL. Quarterback Jared Goff has been playing at an MVP-caliber level, while playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery have provided consistent production.
But even the most explosive offense can only do so much. If the defense continues to struggle or fails to get off the field, the offense will inevitably find itself in shootouts. And while Detroit’s offense is capable of winning those games, it’s hard to imagine them maintaining that level of intensity week in and week out, especially when facing some of the NFC’s top teams.
Can the Lions Stay Competitive in a Tough NFC?
The NFC playoff picture is shaping up to be a fierce battle, with teams like the 49ers, Cowboys, and Eagles all poised for deep postseason runs. The Lions are currently in the mix, but their margin for error is rapidly shrinking. Every game matters now, and missing key players down the stretch could be the difference between a wild card berth and a division title.
What makes this situation even more concerning is the NFC North standings. While the Lions have shown they can hang with the best, the division remains highly
