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5 Things The Detroit Lions Are Doing Right So Far In 2014

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By @BrianKalchik

5 Things the Detroit Lions Are Doing Right So Far in 2014

Jim Caldwell Lions
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In 2014, the Detroit Lions are 2-1 after three weeks and looking to improve on that record as they travel to New York to take on the Jets. Both of Detroit's wins came at home against the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers, with their lone defeat coming on the road to the Carolina Panthers. Here are five things that the Lions have done right so far.

5. Third Down Efficiency

Calvin Johnson Lions
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5. Third Down Efficiency

Calvin Johnson Lions
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Historically, the Detroit Lions have been poor in third down efficiency both offensively and defensively, but this season looks to be an exception. Offensively, the Lions have converted 27 out of 48 opportunities (56 percent), and on defense, the Lions have held their opponents to 10 conversions in 35 tries (40 percent).

4. Time of Possession

Reggie Bush Lions
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4. Time of Possession

Reggie Bush Lions
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After averaging over 32 minutes of possession in both 2012 and 2013, the Lions are holding onto the ball for almost 35 minutes per game. This advantage has helped a depleted defense get some much-needed rest, and has worn down opponents, especially late in games.

3. Run Defense

DeAndre Levy Lions
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3. Run Defense

DeAndre Levy Lions
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In both 2012 and 2013, the Lions' run defense allowed opponents to rush for over four yards per carry; but over the first three games of 2014, the Lions are excellent in run defense. In 68 rushes against the Lions, opponents are averaging just 2.8 YPC. The Lions are currently ranked second in total rushing defense in the NFL, allowing opponents to rush for just 63.7 yards per game.

2. Pass Defense

Darius Slay Lions
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2, Pass Defense

Darius Slay Lions
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Despite losing several defensive backs to injured reserve, the Lions' secondary has been one of the biggest surprises of the young NFL season. The Lions are allowing opponents to complete just 59 percent of their passes against them with an average of 6.4 yards per attempt. Over three games, the Lions have held two quarterbacks to under 200 passing yards and have not allowed a single receiver to surpass 75 receiving yards.

1. Winning At Home

Matthew Stafford Lions
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1. Winning At Home

Matthew Stafford Lions
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In 2014, the Lions have gone a perfect 2-0 at home and defeated two teams that have given them nightmares over the years, the Giants and the Packers. It is only the fourth week of the season, I get it, but this is a good sign for the Lions so far. During the 2013 season, Detroit lost four games at home.

Brian Kalchik is a Detroit Lions writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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