With a 7-2 record, the Detroit Lions are still trying to find their identity when it comes to pass-rushing. While plenty of Lions fans were hopeful that Chase Young, Montez Sweat, or Brian Burns would finish their season in Honolulu Blue, Brad Holmes and the Lions front office remained steadfast with the roster that is in place. Until the announcement, which came via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that the Lions are signing veteran pass-rusher Bruce Irvin.
Top 7 Detroit Lions in quarterback pressures, per PFF.
Aidan Hutchinson (53) has more than double John Cominsky (23), who has the second most pressures generated. 😬#OnePride pic.twitter.com/92ANXRNQWE
— Detroit Lions on Tap (@LionsOnTap) November 14, 2023
Without a compliment for Aidan Hutchinson, who routinely has been double teamed for the majority of his 504 snaps, the Lions have failed to condense and close the pockets on opposing quarterbacks not named Jimmy Garoppolo. Head coach Dan Campbell spoke before the Week 10 game in Los Angeles and claimed that to slowdown Justin Herbert, the Lions defensive front simply cannot let him complete his throws and follow through, “condense and close,” was the name of the game. Allowing 323 yards, and four touchdowns to Herbert would have knocked out any team who doesn’t have the luxury of the offense that the Lions do.
Irvin is an 11-year veteran who has spent that majority of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, including the dominant 48-3 Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos in 2013. Throughout his career, Irvin has logged 62 sacks, and most importantly has generated 340 QB pressures. It could appear that Irvin’s best days are behind him, however this front office is much different than previous Lions regime’s that would sign older players based on name recognition, Holmes simply does not put any stock into a player’s name.
When Campbell announced that James Houston wouldn’t return until very late in the season, if at all, the calls for help on the defensive line rang louder than ever. At the very least, Irvin provides veteran leadership, and a wealth of playoff experience- he also does not have nine games of wear and tear on his body. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson hinted that he’s close to making his return to the field after tearing his pectoral muscle in Week 2. The Lions rank 22nd in both pass-rush and in coverage, with Gardner-Johnson returning soon, the Lions could see an uptick in productivity upfront and Irvin could very well prove to be the high-motor compliment that the defensive line is searching for.
Any help is good help, especially for this Lions team that is ready to make a deep push into the postseason.