During the bye week that conveniently comes at the midway point of the season, we'll review each Detroit Lions position group.
Major moves in the first half: Re-signed Darryl Tapp
What has worked: When the Lions drafted defensive linemen with first round picks in 2010 (Ndamukong Suh), 2011 (Nick Fairley) and 2013 (Ezekiel Ansah), this is what the team had hoped for. It was a team and a defense built to be supported by a strong defensive front that could both stop the run on their own and also rush the passer.
This season is the success they always imagined. Suh remains one of the most dominant players in the NFL and the best at his position in the league. Fairley showed a level of consistency that evaded him in his first three seasons in the league. Ansah is following up his strong rookie year with an equally good second year. The way he is growing in his role as a pass rusher, he could end up being very strong for Detroit for years to come.
The Lions have also gotten major contributions from role players like George Johnson, C.J. Mosley, and Darryl Tapp along with fourth defensive line starter Jason Jones.
The defensive line is the reason Detroit is in the top five against the run (second at 74 yards per game) and pass (fifth at 216.38 yards a game). Their pressure in the fourth quarter against New Orleans and the second half against Atlanta was a big reason for both come-from-behind wins. The defensive line also played a major role in Detroit's win over Green Bay in September, where the Detroit defense outscored Green Bay's offense.
What has not: The defensive tackles had a rough 48 hours last week. Mosley was suspended for two weeks the day before the Lions' game against Atlanta and then in the game against the Falcons, Fairley injures his knee and is out for an undetermined amount of time.
Depth at defensive tackle is a concern at this point because of the past 48 hours. Other than that, it has been a pretty impressive season for the Detroit defensive line.
If one were to nitpick, the Lions haven't gotten much out of rookie fourth round pick Larry Webster, who has been mostly inactive for games this season. He likely wouldn't have gotten many snaps behind Ansah, Jones, Johnson and Devin Taylor, though. Fifth-round pick Caraun Reid was drafted to be a developmental pick but he might end up in a major role with Fairley's injury, potentially putting him in a tough spot.
Prognosis: Suh and the Lions' ends should be fine the rest of the season as long as they stay healthy.
The biggest point of concern is who will be lining up next to Suh. Mosley will be a fine replacement when he returns from suspension, but how defensive line coaches Kris Kocurek and Jim Washburn handle what had been a strong, smart rotation at tackle is going to be pushed now.
The Lions will likely make a move at tackle, too, to add a player to help the depth inside the defensive line.
As long as this unit continues to play well, though, the Lions defense should be able to sustain their current pace. But how they play without Fairley will be something to watch over the next few weeks.