Assessing the Biggest Weakness of Each 2016 NFL Playoff Team

Detroit Lions: Pass Rush

Of all 32 teams this year, not a single one did less damage to their opponents in terms of sacks than the Detroit Lions. That would seem to be a minor weakness.

The Lions faced 575 total drop backs and opponents lost just 37.21 NEP due to sacks. They were the only team below 40 in this stat, and their -0.06 Sack NEP per drop back was a solid chunk behind the 31st-place Cleveland Browns at -0.07. If you're looking for an explanation as to why the Lions finished 31st in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP per play, you need not dig deeper.

What amplifies this issue for the Lions is that the opponent they'll face in the first round -- the Seattle Seahawks -- struggles pretty mightily with pass protection. If you want to snag a victory in Seattle, the best way to do so is by getting to the quarterback. The Lions haven't done that all year, but they'll need that trend to change this weekend.