Which NFL Lions Coordinator's Absence Would Hurt Detroit The Most?

Introduction

The Detroit Lions are entering a crucial season in 2023, with high hopes of making a playoff push. Led by new head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have assembled a talented roster and coaching staff. However, the team's success will largely depend on the health and performance of its coordinators. With that in mind, this article will examine which coordinator's absence would hurt Detroit the most and provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential impact on the team's performance.

Offensive Coordinator: Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson's impact on the Lions' offense cannot be overstated. In his first season as offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson transformed a lackluster unit into one of the most efficient in the league. The Lions ranked fourth in yards per play (6.4) and sixth in points per game (26.6), largely due to Johnson's innovative play-calling and effective use of personnel. His absence would leave a gaping hole in the Lions' offensive scheme, making it difficult for the team to maintain its high level of production.

Data Points:

• 2022 Offensive Rankings: 4th in yards per play (6.4), 6th in points per game (26.6)
• Significant improvement from 2021: 27th in yards per play, 29th in points per game

Defensive Coordinator: Aaron Glenn

Aaron Glenn's defense has been a major bright spot for the Lions in recent years. Under Glenn's leadership, the Lions have consistently ranked among the top defenses in the league in terms of yards allowed and points per game. Glenn's aggressive scheme and ability to generate turnovers have been key factors in the Lions' success. His absence would leave the Lions' defense vulnerable to exploitation by opposing offenses.

Data Points:

• 2022 Defensive Rankings: 6th in yards allowed per game (319.8), 9th in points allowed per game (20.1)
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 defenses in the league since Glenn's arrival in 2021

Special Teams Coordinator: Dave Fipp

While special teams often go unnoticed, Dave Fipp's unit has been a major asset for the Lions. In 2022, the Lions ranked among the top 10 in the league in both punt and kickoff return average. Fipp's attention to detail and ability to get the most out of his players have made the Lions' special teams a formidable weapon. His absence would hinder the Lions' ability to gain an advantage in the field position battle and create turnovers.

Data Points:

• 2022 Special Teams Rankings: 8th in punt return average (11.6 yards), 5th in kickoff return average (26.1 yards)
• Fipp has been with the Lions as special teams coordinator since 2021

Critical Analysis

The absence of any of the three coordinators would have a significant impact on the Lions' performance, but the loss of Ben Johnson would be the most detrimental. Johnson's offensive scheme has been the driving force behind the Lions' recent success, and his ability to get the most out of his players is unparalleled. Without Johnson, the Lions' offense would struggle to maintain its efficiency and consistency, putting a major strain on the defense and special teams.

Aaron Glenn's absence would also be a major blow, but the impact would not be as severe as Johnson's. The Lions' defense has a solid foundation in place, and a capable assistant coach could step in and provide continuity. However, Glenn's leadership and ability to generate turnovers would be difficult to replace.

Dave Fipp's absence would be the least impactful of the three. While special teams can play a vital role in winning games, the Lions have a solid core of returners and specialists in place. A new special teams coordinator could easily adapt to the current scheme and maintain a high level of performance.

Conclusion

The Detroit Lions have a talented roster and coaching staff, but their success in 2023 will depend heavily on the health and performance of their coordinators. Based on the evidence presented, it is clear that Ben Johnson's absence would have the most significant impact on the team's performance. His innovative offensive scheme and ability to get the most out of his players make him an indispensable asset to the Lions. While Aaron Glenn's and Dave Fipp's absences would also be detrimental, their impact would not be as severe.

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