Fansided

Ravens are winning the offseason, and so are these other teams

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Head coach John Harbaugh interacts with Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens prior to playing against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Dan Kubus/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 15: Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 15: Desmond Trufant #21 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

2. Detroit Lions

It’s a team that’s had a miserable time of it the past two seasons. Following a 9-7 showing by the team in 2017, general manager Bob Quinn opted to part ways with then-head coach Jim Caldwell. The one-time sideline leader of the Indianapolis Colts had led Detroit to three winning seasons in four years and a pair of playoff appearances. Of course, the Lions failed to win each time, hence a franchise that hasn’t prevailed in the postseason since 1991.

Enter Matt Patricia, the former New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator who hasn’t had a lot of success in his new surroundings. The team is a combined 9-22-1 under his command and the Lions dropped their final nine games in 2019.

But help is on the way for a defense that allowed the second-most total yards in the league and the most NFL yards through the air. The team dealt away cornerback Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for third- and fifth-round draft choices. The key additions on this side of the ball include a trio of former Patriots in defensive tackle Danny Shelton, versatile linebacker Jamie Collins and safety Duron Harmon – the latter obtained via trade.

There’s also veteran cornerback Desmond Trufant, released by the Falcons this offseason, as well as safety Jayron Kearse. On the other side of scrimmage, offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai can play tackle and guard.

Next: No. 1

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