3 Problems the Detroit Lions Are Already Finding Solutions for

No team can skate through an offseason and fix all of its problems. The salary cap mandates parity for all by poking holes in every franchise.

The Detroit Lions are no exception. The departure of Ndamukong Suh brought a host of unknowns to Detroit's Allen Park doorstep, and the offense has been a work in progress since head coach Jim Caldwell took over.

But the Lions started working these challenges last March. And the solutions started to rise to the surface during the preseason Week 2 loss to the Washington Redskins.

Stuff the Run Three Yards Deep

The first-team run defense looked uncharacteristically soft against Chris Ivory and the New York Jets. Obviously, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata will have a huge impact when he finally starts practicing, but it was good to see another offseason acquisition make his presence felt.

It was as if Tyrunn Walker took last week's performance personally. He fired off the ball on the first play, penetrating three yards into the backfield to funnel the running back to his linebackers.

"

Tyrunn Walker just did what we see him do every day in one-on-ones. Driving back the center with sheer power.

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) August 20, 2015"

The Redskins wised up on the next series by doubling him. That's exactly what the Lions need from their defensive tackles to maintain a high level of rushing defense.

There was always going to be an adjustment period for Detroit's new interior as the players learned the attacking scheme. It's only one game—and a preseason one at that—but Walker's ability to affect the run through penetration was encouraging.

Pass Rush by Committee

That wasn't Walker's only contribution.

He was also active against the pass, treating rookie guard Brandon Scherff like a blocking sled. Walker bull rushed the youngster into Robert Griffin III, where Ezekiel Ansah joined him.

"

Great find by Martin Mayhew RT @NFL: .@Lions DT Tyrunn Walker mauls Scherff. Introduces self to RGIII, forces fumble http://t.co/NmvKq3nRai

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 21, 2015"

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin made sure he wasn't alone either. The Lions used a bevy of blitzes to befuddle the Washington front line, including one delayed rush by DeAndre Levy that set the tone for Griffin's night (left the game with a concussion, per Brian Parsons of WAVY TV-10).

Mark Tenally/Associated Press

Even Phillip Hunt—a long shot to make the team—got in on the action with a quick burst around the end for one pressure and used a bull rush later to pin Griffin in. All told, the league's best quarterback was hit six times on eight drop backs.

Defensive end Devin Taylor was labeled "one of the stars of training camp" by Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News. Ansah should be ready to take a huge step forward. If these two get interior help and are supplemented by linebacker blitzes from creative angles, the going will be rough for opposing quarterbacks.

Pressure and Inaccuracy

What will presumably be the starting offensive line hasn't played together much, if at all. Manny Ramirez started at left guard, kicking first-round pick Laken Tomlinson to the second team.

The latter had some moments where he looked slow to react against the Washington pass rush. One particular play early in the second quarter saw him shoved aside, but his pedigree and college tape give hope that these are just growing pains.

"

Laken Tomlinson appeared to be beaten there on the sack. #DETvsWAS

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) August 21, 2015"

The rest of the starters-to-be, however, did their jobs.

Riley Reiff continued his solid preseason. The offensive staff often entrusted him to handle his responsibilities on an island, and he vindicated that faith by stymieing pass-rushers.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi did his part by using play action liberally, moving his quarterbacks around to give them time to throw. The rollouts resulted in easy pitch-and-catches that picked up yards at will.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

All of this protection gave Matthew Stafford the time he desperately needed last year. His knowledge of the offense with the ability to actually breath in the pocket (and outside of it) led to another week of sharp throws that hit the target properly.

It's early. There's a lot more to learn about this team, some of which should come during next week's "dress rehearsal" against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when the starters will see their first heavy workload of the year.

But this talented team is working through its issues like a guy who just hit his 30s. Now we need to see it happen in games that count.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist who has written about the Lions on multiple sites. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter about how wrong he is @BrandonAlisoglu.