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The Lions are still very much in the rebuilding stage despite early thoughts that they improved. A 1-4 start is a reminder that this squad still has some key pieces -- notably on defense -- to fill before becoming a legitimate contender. Some experts projected the Lions to have a much better record at this point, but the defense has already allowed 170 points through the first five games, which are the most in franchise history.

The Lions hit their bye week looking for answers on defense. Aidan Hutchinson, selected No. 2 overall in April's draft, is searching with the rest of his teammates right now. Hutchinson had three sacks and two tackles for loss in a Week 2 win over the Commanders. He's had zero sacks and just three QB hits combined in Detroit's other four games -- all losses. A pop under the hood shows more struggles: According to Pro Football Focus, Hutchinson's pass-rush win rate is 8.9 percent, which ranks 107th out of 156 qualified players. Does this mean "Hutch" is a bust? Of course not -- but the rookie is just one of many Detroit defenders who need to raise their game.

They come off their bye with a tough game at Dallas against the Cowboys. They better hope they used the bye to find a defense.

They haven't won in Dallas since 2011, but might catch a break by drawing a rusty Prescott.

My son is obsessed with the show "The Lion Guard," part of the extended "Lion King" universe, and is planning to be Kion, son of Simba, for Halloween. After listening to the background of hundreds of episodes over the past few months, it only just occurred to me while writing this capsule that Kion rhymes with lion.

Anyway, if the Lions can simply be a league-average defense the rest of the season, they'll have a chance to roar back into the playoff race. But the scars of having the league's worst defense through six weeks — not to mention last year's 3-13-1 record and the long history of Lions futility — will be hard to overcome.

As fun as it is to make the same played-out kneecap jokes everyone has been making since Dan Campbell was hired and cheer on the underdog Lions every week, the team (and hopefully the kneecap jokes, but probably not) came crashing down in flames in a 29-0 loss against Bill Belichick and former Lions head coach Matt Patricia in Week 5. Jared Goff and the offense, which finished Week 4 ranked fifth in offensive EPA per drive (0.74), easily had its worst showing of the season, and the defense still ranks 32nd in EPA per play through six weeks. Cheering for losses and a better chance at one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL draft is smarter than betting the Lions at +660 to turn things around and make the playoffs this season.

The Lions come off the bye and play at the Cowboys. A 1-6 or 1-7 start isn't out of the question (after going to Dallas they host the Dolphins and Packers). That would be soul crushing after an offseason full of optimism.

They'll always have Hard Knocks.