Tim Twentyman

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said last week that at the conclusion of the team's offseason training program and OTA portion of the schedule, the defense was a little bit ahead of the offense in the implementation of new offensive and defensive schemes under new coordinators John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard.

That's to be expected with the continuity on defense as Sheppard has been in the building the last four years as the linebackers coach.

One area where Detroit's defense could really take strides forward in 2025 is in the play of a veteran-laden secondary.

The Lions return arguably the best safety tandem in the NFL inKerby JosephandBrian Branch. Those two combined for 13 interceptions and 28 passes defended last season.

Veteran cornerbackD.J. Reed, who was Detroit's top target in free agency, is a proven corner with terrific man-cover skills. VeteranAmik Robertsonwas really good in the slot for Detroit last season, and Terrion Arnold is expected to take a big leap in production heading into his second season after being a Day 1 starter as a rookie.

Detroit also has good depth in the secondary with a mix of young and veteran talent behind the five starters.

"We have our goals that we want to achieve," Robertson said of the returning veteran secondary. "We know it's going to be about us, man. We have to go out there and be the best secondary in the league. There's no other way."

Detroit ranked 30th against the pass last year, but they were fifth against the run and the secondary certainly played their part in that number.

The Lions ranked No. 1 in passer rating allowed (82.0), were second in completion percentage allowed (61.1) and second in touchdown-to-interception ratio (1.13). Detroit's 18 passing touchdowns allowed were also the second fewest.

Having a healthy defensive line anchored by the return ofAidan Hutchinson, who missed 12 games last season with a broken leg, should go a long way in helping marry the pass rush and cover behind it and be a big boost for the secondary and defense overall.

"We know what we want to be, man," Robertson said. "We want to go out there and prove not only to ourselves but to these fans. We continue to trust one another, continue to build and become one of the best defenses in the league. It has to start now when we come back from camp."

Camp is when the competition and preparation for the regular season really ramps up. Based off the spring the defense had and the continuity they have with 10 returning starters, don't be surprised if that side of the ball particularly the secondary make this training camp one of the more competitive between the offense and defense in Campbell's tenure in Detroit.