The Detroit Lions’ ability to sustain offensive drives has been severely hampered by a sharp decline in third-down efficiency this season. After converting nearly 50 percent of their third downs last year, the team’s success rate has plummeted to just 36 percent, ranking them 27th in the NFL. The struggles are attributed to a mix of missed throws, dropped passes, protection breakdowns, and play-calling.
Offensive Coordinator John Morton said this week that the solution lies in better individual execution and focus. “You’ve got to win your one-on-one matchups,” Morton explained. “That’s one of the biggest things that I talk with the offense about. Just dial in, especially third down.”
Morton believes isolated “technique errors” are derailing plays. “When we do it all together, it’s pretty good. You saw it against Washington,” he said. “But it’s that one breakdown where it’s a technique error here and there or we didn’t make the throw. That’s what we’re concentrating on.”
The Lions will have an opportunity to correct these issues at home this week against New York. Their opponent enters the game with the league’s 18th-ranked third-down defense, allowing conversions 40 percent of the time, presenting a crucial test for Detroit’s ability to extend drives and create scoring opportunities.
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