Can any of the 0-2 NFL teams save their 2018 season?

5. Detroit Lions: There’s little reason for hope

Determining the four-five spots in this list was difficult because I view the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks similarly. They have some star power at quarterback, receiver, and in the secondary. But the lack of other pieces and consistency elsewhere, including coaching, gives them little chance to regain their positioning.

The NFC North is extremely tough now. Had the Chicago Bears not acquired Khalil Mack, and if Aaron Rodgers was more severely injured, then the Lions would be in a different place. But those two non-related events changed the season outlook for the Lions.

Detroit ranks 30th in team DVOA and it’s not surprising if you’ve watched them play. Matt Patricia’s team rebounded nicely last week against San Francisco, but it was still a loss that exposed the team’s limited running game, linebacker play, and pass-rush. The 49ers faced little resistance on offense en route to their victory.

Matt Stafford is a good quarterback and he has the surrounding cast to be an even more effective passing unit. Some of the blame needs to go on Jim Bob Cooter for running what’s become too-predictable, and some is on Stafford and the offensive line to step up before they fall down two scores. Too much of the offense is neutralized until it’s garbage time.

The overall upside of the team is limited due to the pass-rushers though. Ezekiel Ansah continues to have health problems and there’s not a consistent, credible threat outside of him. After building hype last year with eight sacks, Kerry Hyder’s been unable to convert the few opportunities he’s had into sacks.