The Lions' defense wasn't good during the loss to the Seahawks.
But the degree it is being vilified is a classic example of seeing the game through a stereotypical lens rather than reality.
If anything, the offense and head coach Dan Campbell were bigger culprits.
The Lions' defense allowed 24 points in regulation time. The NFL average has been 22-to-24 the last three seasons. Were it not for quarterback Jared Goff's pick 6, there would have been no need for overtime.
Two of Seattle's touchdowns came on drives of 23 yards (two plays following David Montgomery's fumble) and 45 yards (after Dan Campbell decided to go for it on fourth down on Detroit's side of the 50).
The Lions' defense forced three field goal tries, and gave the offense the ball in ideal position with plenty of time remaining to win in regulation. Instead of taking any shots at the end zone, Campbell played for overtime after being overly aggressive earlier.
The Lions' defense was a spaghetti strainer during the overtime period, but the game never should have reached that point.
Obviously there were flaws defensively, but not to the degree, actually, the offense was loose with the ball and the head coach mismanaged the game.
In the process, though, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has become the scapegoat again.
All of a sudden, it's forgotten how the Lions were able to defeat Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs despite scoring only two offensive touchdowns opening night. Or how it stymied Aaron Rodgers and the Packers twice, overwhelmed Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars and owned the Giants and Jets last season despite limited personnel.
The perception is the Lions have added significantly to their defense, but it hasn't exactly turned out that way. Cam Sutton is solid, but Emmanuel Moseley hasn't taken a snap. Brian Branch and Jack Campbell have been nice rookie additions, but third-round pick Brodric Martin has yet to play.
The Lions could have either defensive tackle Jalen Carter or cornerback Christian Gonzalez, the highest-ranked rookies in Week 1 and Week 2 with Philadelphia and New England, according to Pro Football focus, instead of running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Atlanta will present a stiff test for the Lions' defense because of an excellent tandem of backs in Bijan Robinson and the vastly underrated Tyler Allgeier. But the Lions held Seattle's Kenneth Walker III to 2.5 yards per carry.
Obviously, the Lions need to stop the run and force the Falcons to rely on second-year QB Desmond Ritter throwing from the pocket.
Such a scenario is not out of the realm of possibility. The Lions rank 10th in the NFL in rushing defense.
What is more certain is that if the Lions turn the ball over three times, including a pick 6, and Dan Campbell roams all over the place again with in-game management, the Lions will lose.
