The Lions' defense has taken heat for being too dependent on the front four making all the plays and for being too weak on the back end. But the linebackers share some of the blame along with the secondary. The benching of OLB Julian Peterson late in Week Two and not having MLB DeAndre Levy for the first two games has hurt the unit more than many have realized, and Levy's expected return to the lineup in Week Three couldn't come at a better time. The Lions believed that the defensive strength would be up the middle with improved DT play, emerging FS Louis Delmas and Levy, who switched over full time to line up inside, but injuries to Delmas and Levy in the preseason limited their ability to get assimilated as young leaders for the group, and the defense has been gashed at times during the first two games. Expect Levy to help settle this group somewhat in the coming weeks, even with a tough schedule ahead. Source: Pro Football Weekly
