Detroit Lions has a serious problem ahead of them after…

Lost in the aftermath of Saturday night’s drama was a strong defensive effort by the Detroit Lions, one that should give them confidence heading into the postseason.

The Lions (11-5) held a Dallas offense averaging nearly 40 points a game at home this season to just 20. They got off the field when they needed to, forced two turnovers, recorded three sacks and held the Cowboys’ rushing offense to 61 yards on 21 attempts. A performance like that — against that offense, in that building — is nothing to gloss over.

“The guys played hard, fought to the end,” coach Dan Campbell said after the 20-19 loss. “We knew it was going to come down to the wire, but I thought our defense played really well today.”

Don’t look now, but the Lions’ defense is starting to put it together. The last three weeks, the Lions are first in average time to sack (2.62 seconds), tied for second in takeaways (seven), third in QB hits (25), tied for fourth in defensive splash plays (77), sixth in goal-to-go efficiency (57.1 percent), eighth in pressure rate (40.5 percent), tied for ninth in sacks (9.0) and 12th in points per game (20.3), per TruMedia. This is far from a perfect unit, but the defense has managed to pick itself off the mat — right before the playoffs.

And help is on the way.

Let’s take a look at the reinforcements set to return, and how they can add to a defense that’s starting to find its groove.

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill

When the year began, McNeill had his sights set on a career season.

He cut weight. He changed his diet. He was lighter on his feet, moving faster. He looked like a different player. The goal was to position himself to grow with a roster that hoped to clinch a division title and make noise in the playoffs.

McNeill accomplished all of that and more, despite a knee injury that has sidelined him the last month. But now, just a week before the playoffs begin, McNeill will come off injured reserve and play Sunday in the regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

Before going down, McNeill was having one of the better seasons by a defensive tackle. McNeill’s run defense grade of 77.9 ranks fifth among all defensive tackles, per Pro Football Focus. He was on pace for roughly 47 pressures, which, to put into context, would’ve ranked 10th among defensive tackles a year ago. He’s taken a step forward in both aspects of his responsibilities, leading to an all-around game and a breakout year.