As the Detroit Lions set their sights on contending for a Super Bowl, much of the focus has naturally turned to their defense—particularly the defensive line. While Detroit’s offense continues to thrive under head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, questions still linger about whether the defense can take that crucial next step. Specifically, can the Lions’ defensive front become dominant enough to power a championship-caliber team?
The most talked-about piece of the Lions’ defensive puzzle is, of course, Aidan Hutchinson. The former No. 2 overall pick has quickly blossomed into one of the most feared edge rushers in the league. His relentless motor, athleticism, and playmaking ability have made him the cornerstone of Detroit’s pass rush. However, despite Hutchinson’s excellence, the team has struggled to find a consistent, dominant threat on the opposite side to help take pressure off of him.
This lack of a complementary pass rusher has led many analysts to question whether the Lions will have enough firepower along the defensive line. The prevailing thought is that without another true disruptor, Detroit’s defense could fall short in big games, especially against elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses.
However, inside the Lions’ facility, there is still a sense of optimism. One key reason for that belief is Marcus Davenport. Though injuries have limited his availability in recent seasons, Davenport has shown flashes of impact-level play when healthy. The Lions clearly see that potential, as they prioritized re-signing him for the upcoming season. If Davenport can stay on the field, he could form a formidable duo with Hutchinson—one that offensive lines around the NFL would have to take seriously.
The impact of a productive defensive line cannot be overstated. Championship defenses often feature a balanced approach where the front and back ends work in harmony. When the defensive line consistently generates pressure with four players, it allows the secondary more flexibility and reduces the need for risky blitz packages. This synergy can be the key to unlocking defensive dominance.
“If you can win with four up front,” one analyst noted, “you don’t have to rely on the secondary to create pressure. That opens up opportunities and reduces stress on cornerbacks like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. Everything works together—it’s a puzzle. The line brings the pressure, and the secondary covers. They have to complement each other.”
Another important development for the Lions’ defense heading into 2025 is the addition of Kacy Rodgers as the new defensive line coach. Rodgers brings a fresh perspective and a track record of success, which could be exactly what this unit needs. A new voice in the room might help unlock the full potential of young players and elevate the overall level of performance.
While skepticism remains among national analysts, the Lions have reasons to be hopeful. If Davenport stays healthy, if Rodgers can inspire growth from within, and if Hutchinson continues on his All-Pro trajectory, Detroit’s defensive line could take a significant step forward. That improvement might just be the missing ingredient in the Lions’ pursuit of a Super Bowl.