Seattle Times staff reporter Bob Condotta takes a closer look at the Detroit Lions.
Detroit ranks as one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL at 0-3 — one of just three winless teams. After taking a 21-3 lead in the opener against San Diego, the Lions have been outscored 80-35 in losses to the Chargers, Vikings and Broncos. Detroit has the worst rushing attack in the NFL at just 45 yards per game, putting pressure on quarterback Matt Stafford and receivers such as Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate to compensate. And the defense, without defensive tackle Ndamukong (who signed with Miami in the offseason), is not as dominating as it was last season when the Lions ranked second in total yards allowed to the Seahawks. After allowing 300.9 yards per game in 2014, the Lions are giving up 395.7 this season. They have struggled in the secondary — Detroit is 26th in the NFL in pass defense at 283.7 yards per game. And consider this stat from the team’s website — opponents are scoring a touchdown on 28.6 percent of their drives against the Lions. Only the 49ers (31.3) and Bears (34.5) are allowing a higher percentage.