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Lions' 2017 Roster: A Comprehensive Guide

Trends January 13, 2025

The 2017 Detroit Lions roster featured a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars.

The Lions finished the season with a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs by one game. However, the team showed signs of progress under first-year head coach Matt Patricia.

One of the strengths of the 2017 Lions was their defense. The Lions ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense, and they led the league in interceptions. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and cornerback Darius Slay were both named to the Pro Bowl.

The Lions' offense struggled at times in 2017, but they showed signs of improvement late in the season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 4,446 yards and 29 touchdowns, and running back Ameer Abdullah rushed for 867 yards and six touchdowns.

Overall, the 2017 Detroit Lions season was a mixed bag. The team showed signs of progress, but they also had some setbacks. The Lions are hoping to build on their success in 2018 and make a run at the playoffs.

2017 Detroit Lions Roster

The 2017 Detroit Lions roster featured a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars. The team finished the season with a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs by one game. However, the Lions showed signs of progress under first-year head coach Matt Patricia.

Defense: The Lions ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense.
Interceptions: The Lions led the league in interceptions.
Ezekiel Ansah: Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah was named to the Pro Bowl.
Darius Slay: Cornerback Darius Slay was named to the Pro Bowl.
Matthew Stafford: Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 4,446 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Ameer Abdullah: Running back Ameer Abdullah rushed for 867 yards and six touchdowns.

These key aspects highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the 2017 Detroit Lions roster. The Lions had a strong defense, led by Ansah and Slay. The offense struggled at times, but Stafford and Abdullah showed signs of improvement late in the season. Overall, the Lions are a team with potential, and they could be a playoff contender in 2018.

1. Defense

The Detroit Lions' defense was a major strength of the team in 2017. The Lions ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 326.1 yards per game. The defense was also tied for the league lead in interceptions, with 18.

Pass rush: The Lions' pass rush was one of the best in the NFL in 2017. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah led the team with 12 sacks, and cornerback Darius Slay had 8 interceptions.
Secondary: The Lions' secondary was also very good in 2017. Slay was named to the Pro Bowl, and cornerback Quandre Diggs had 5 interceptions.
Linebackers: The Lions' linebackers were solid in 2017. Jarrad Davis led the team in tackles, and Tahir Whitehead had 4 interceptions.
Overall: The Lions' defense was one of the best in the NFL in 2017. The defense was able to generate pressure on the quarterback, and they were also very good at stopping the run. The Lions' defense will be a key part of the team's success in 2018.

The Lions' strong defense was a major factor in the team's success in 2017. The defense was able to keep the Lions in games, even when the offense struggled. The Lions will need their defense to continue to play at a high level in 2018 if they want to make the playoffs.

2. Interceptions

The Detroit Lions led the NFL in interceptions in 2017 with 18. This was a major factor in the team's success, as it gave the Lions a short field to work with and helped to generate turnovers. The Lions' defense was able to create pressure on the quarterback, which led to errant throws and interceptions.

One of the key players in the Lions' success in interceptions was cornerback Darius Slay. Slay had 8 interceptions in 2017, which was tied for the most in the NFL. Slay is a shutdown corner who is able to take away the opposing team's best receiver. He is also very good at reading the quarterback and jumping routes.

The Lions' defense was able to generate interceptions from all over the field in 2017. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah had 2 interceptions, and linebacker Jarrad Davis had 4 interceptions. This shows that the Lions' defense was able to put pressure on the quarterback from all angles, which led to turnovers.

The Lions' success in interceptions was a major factor in the team's success in 2017. The defense was able to generate turnovers and give the offense a short field to work with. This helped the Lions to win games and finish with a 9-7 record.

3. Ezekiel Ansah

Ezekiel Ansah was a key member of the 2017 Detroit Lions roster. He was named to the Pro Bowl after recording 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 30 tackles in 2017. Ansah was a major factor in the Lions' success in 2017, as he helped the team finish with a 9-7 record and make a run at the playoffs.

Ansah was drafted by the Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He quickly became a starter and one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL. Ansah is known for his speed, strength, and athleticism. He is able to generate pressure on the quarterback from both the left and right sides. Ansah is also a very good run defender.

Ansah's Pro Bowl selection in 2017 was a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is one of the best defensive ends in the NFL, and he is a key part of the Lions' defense. The Lions are hoping that Ansah can continue to play at a high level in 2018 and help the team make a run at the Super Bowl.

4. Darius Slay

Darius Slay's selection to the Pro Bowl is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he is a key part of the Lions' defense. Slay's success is a reflection of the Lions' strong defense as a whole. The Lions ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense in 2017, and they led the league in interceptions.

Slay's impact on the Lions' defense: Slay is a shutdown corner who is able to take away the opposing team's best receiver. He is also very good at reading the quarterback and jumping routes. Slay's ability to generate turnovers and create pressure on the quarterback makes him a valuable asset to the Lions' defense.
The Lions' strong secondary: The Lions' secondary was one of the best in the NFL in 2017. Slay was joined by fellow Pro Bowler Quandre Diggs, who had 5 interceptions in 2017. The Lions' secondary was able to generate pressure on the quarterback and create turnovers, which helped the team to finish with a 9-7 record.
The Lions' overall defensive success: The Lions' defense was a major strength of the team in 2017. The defense was able to generate pressure on the quarterback, stop the run, and create turnovers. The Lions' defense was a key part of the team's success in 2017, and Slay was a major part of the defense's success.

Slay's selection to the Pro Bowl is a reflection of his hard work and dedication. He is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he is a key part of the Lions' defense. The Lions are hoping that Slay can continue to play at a high level in 2018 and help the team make a run at the Super Bowl.

5. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford's performance in 2017 was a key factor in the Detroit Lions' success. Stafford threw for 4,446 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the Lions to a 9-7 record and a playoff berth. Stafford's success is a reflection of his talent and hard work, as well as the strong supporting cast around him.

Stafford's arm strength and accuracy: Stafford has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, and he is also very accurate. This allows him to make all the throws that are required in a modern NFL offense. Stafford is able to hit receivers in stride, even when they are well covered.
Stafford's decision-making: Stafford is a very good decision-maker. He is able to quickly read the defense and make the right throw. Stafford is also not afraid to take risks, which can lead to big plays.
Stafford's leadership: Stafford is a natural leader. He is respected by his teammates, and he is able to get the most out of them. Stafford is also a very competitive player, and he always wants to win.
The Lions' offensive line: The Lions' offensive line is one of the best in the NFL. This gives Stafford time to throw, and it also helps to protect him from sacks. The Lions' offensive line also opens up running lanes for running back Ameer Abdullah.
The Lions' receiving corps: The Lions have a talented group of receivers, led by Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. These receivers are all able to make big plays, and they give Stafford a lot of options to throw to.

Stafford's success in 2017 is a reflection of his talent and hard work, as well as the strong supporting cast around him. The Lions are hoping that Stafford can continue to play at a high level in 2018 and help the team make a run at the Super Bowl.

6. Ameer Abdullah

Ameer Abdullah's performance in 2017 was a key factor in the Detroit Lions' success. Abdullah rushed for 867 yards and six touchdowns, providing the Lions with a consistent running threat. Abdullah's success is a reflection of his talent and hard work, as well as the strong offensive line in front of him.

Abdullah is a very talented running back. He has good speed, agility, and vision. Abdullah is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. Abdullah's versatility makes him a valuable asset to the Lions' offense.

The Lions' offensive line is one of the best in the NFL. This gives Abdullah plenty of running room, and it also helps to protect him from sacks. The Lions' offensive line also opens up passing lanes for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Abdullah's success in 2017 is a reflection of his talent and hard work, as well as the strong offensive line in front of him. The Lions are hoping that Abdullah can continue to play at a high level in 2018 and help the team make a run at the Super Bowl.

FAQs about the 2017 Detroit Lions Roster

Question 1: Who were some of the key players on the 2017 Detroit Lions roster?

Answer: Some of the key players on the 2017 Detroit Lions roster included quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Ameer Abdullah, wide receiver Golden Tate, defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, and cornerback Darius Slay.

Question 2: What were the Lions' strengths and weaknesses in 2017?

Answer: The Lions' strengths in 2017 included their passing offense, led by Stafford and Tate, and their defense, which ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense. The Lions' weaknesses included their running game, which struggled to consistently produce, and their special teams, which were ranked near the bottom of the NFL.

Question 3: What are the Lions' expectations for 2018?

Answer: The Lions are hoping to build on their success in 2017 and make a run at the playoffs in 2018. The team has made some key additions to the roster, including wide receiver Marvin Jones and defensive tackle Damon Harrison, and they are hoping that these players can help them take the next step.

Question 4: Who is the head coach of the Lions?

Answer: Matt Patricia is the head coach of the Detroit Lions.

Question 5: What is the Lions' home stadium?

Answer: The Lions' home stadium is Ford Field.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2017 Detroit Lions roster. For more information, please visit the Lions' official website.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: The 2017 Detroit Lions roster was a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars. The team showed signs of progress under first-year head coach Matt Patricia, but they ultimately missed the playoffs. The Lions are hoping to build on their success in 2017 and make a run at the playoffs in 2018.

Transition to the next article section: The next section of this article will provide a more in-depth look at the Lions' 2017 season, including their strengths, weaknesses, and key players.

Conclusion

The Lions' success was due in part to their strong defense, which ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense. The Lions also had a productive passing offense, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Golden Tate. However, the Lions' running game struggled to consistently produce, and their special teams were ranked near the bottom of the NFL.

Overall, the 2017 season was a mixed bag for the Lions. The team showed signs of progress, but they also had some setbacks. The Lions are hoping to build on their success in 2017 and make a run at the playoffs in 2018.