`Keeping up with the Kitties: 1st Quarter, S37`

The first quarter of the season is in the books and as promised we’re back to give you an update on the Kitties through the first 4 weeks of Season 37. It’s been a surprising start to the season for the Lions as they began the season 3-1, as opposed to the previous season which they started 0-4. The only loss coming at the hands of their division rivals the Minnesota Vikings in a 6-10 loss in week 3. It’s still early in the season, but there are a lot of positives that can be taken from the first quarter of the season.

Blake Bortles, The answer in Detroit?

One of the key’s to the phenomenal start that the Lions have enjoyed thus far is due to the exceptional play of QB Blake Bortles. Coming into the season, the biggest question for the Lions surrounded the Quarterback position after the Lions passed up on QB Tucker Martin from USC in the draft. The Lions opted to go with Bottles (in his contract year), believing that his play will determine the moves they will make in the following offseason. With much luck, the move to go with Bortles seems to have worked out great for the Lions as Bortles began season 37 with back to back NFC Player of the Week performances. The only question now is how long will Bortles continue to play at this exceptional level and will it translate to him being the QB in Detroit for the foreseeable future.

Defense in Detroit

The Lions didn’t do anything too flashy in the offseason, they didn’t add a speedy WR, or an even speedier LB, but they did make moves that made sense. With the Lions defense ranking towards the bottom of the league in almost every possible category in S36, the Lions decided to make it a priority to improve on that side of the ball. They brought in a few players through trade and drafted a few more in hopes of improving defensively, especially in stopping the run game. Thus far it seems to be a move that has worked as they rank near the top 10 in most defensive categories* — 9th in points allowed, 7th in total yards allowed, 11th in passing yards allowed, 7th in rushing yards allowed. One of the only concerns with the defense is their lack of ability so far in the season to be able to consistently pressure the opposing quarterback, an area which the coaching staff is attempting to address.

Final Thoughts

Its still early and a lot of things could still happen during the season, but the future looks bright in Detroit. We’re not saying that this Lions team is playoff bound, not at all, but the team does have the potential to be. Of course that potential will only go as far as Bortles can take this team and that potential can only be realized if the defense can continue to consistently improve every week.

*Stats based on Daddyleagues.