Friday, November 5, 2021

Detroit Lions Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Detroit Lions rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 31.8 (32nd)
  • Best ranking: 31st (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 32nd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Lions in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 32

Biggest Achilles' heel: Offense

Following a 44-6 loss to the Eagles on Halloween, the Lions fell to 0-8 for the first time since the infamous 0-16 season. Coach Dan Campbell acknowledged that the offense looked "very anemic," which has been the case all season. The Lions rank near the bottom of nearly every offensive category, notably offensive efficiency and points scored. Jared Goff has suffered 11 consecutive losses, including the playoffs, which is the longest active streak for any quarterback. Tight end T.J. Hockenson feels that the offense hasn't been able to overcome self-inflicted wounds such as penalties and mistakes in critical moments. "That's what good offenses do is be able to keep moving the ball and overcome mistakes that you make on yourself," Hockenson said. -- Eric Woodyard

NFL.com -- Rank: 31

The Lions are 0-8 for the first time since their infamous winless season of 2008, and their performance in Sunday's 44-6 loss to the Eagles makes you concerned for all parties involved in Detroit. Dan Campbell's team failed in all phases against Philadelphia, but pass protection has reached a crisis point with offensive tackle Taylor Decker and center Frank Ragnow sidelined with injuries. Jared Goff was sacked five times in the loss, including four sacks in the first half alone. Goff is not a nimble man in the pocket, but he has no chance when the Lions are getting worked up front like they were on Sunday.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 32

So much for the idea that they were competing each week. It was awful against the Eagles. The talent just isn't there.

USA Today -- Rank: 32

Detroit had a Hall of Famer -- WR Calvin Johnson -- on the 0-16 2008 team. That group would probably beat these guys by 17 ... maybe 15 if accounting for a Dan Orlovsky self-safety.

The Athletic -- Rank: 32

How's the head coach? Even an (increasingly possible) 0-17 finish likely won't end the Dan Campbell experiment, although Campbell might want to swap out the shots of espresso for something with more of a kick on his daily coffee order. There have been a lot of bad performances for the Lions over the past four seasons (or is it four decades?), but Sunday's had to rank near the bottom.

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