Detroit Lions: A Season to Remember
As the NFL season unfolds, the Detroit Lions are reaching milestones not achieved in nearly a century. With an astonishing 10-1 record, this is their best start to a season since 1934—a testament to the transformation under their current regime. What makes this year's Lions so formidable is a blend of explosive offense, robust defense, and a special teams unit that ties everything together.
Dominance Across the Board
Ranking in the top 10 in Expected Points Added (EPA) per game on all three fronts—offense, defense, and special teams—the Lions are playing a comprehensive brand of football. This metric, which quantifies a team's ability to exceed the typical results of given plays, paints a picture of consistency and excellence across the board.
The Lions' defense has been particularly noteworthy. This year, they have allowed the second-fewest points per game in the league, averaging only 16.6 points allowed. Their defensive prowess became even more pronounced after Week 6, following an injury to their key player, Aidan Hutchinson. From that point, the defense has allowed an average of only 15.3 points per game. They've achieved the remarkable feat of holding opponents to under seven points in consecutive games leading up to Thanksgiving. Furthermore, they've prevented any team from finding the end zone in ten straight quarters, an achievement that underscores their defensive dominance.
Spectacular Safety Play
The Lions' defensive success is bolstered by standout performances from safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Their stellar play in the 2024 season has been reflected in their Pro Football Focus grades, with Joseph earning a 91.3 and Branch an 88.1. Together, they've intercepted 11 passes without allowing a single touchdown in coverage, establishing themselves as defensive stalwarts. In fact, they are the only defensive players this season to limit quarterbacks to a passer rating of 20.0 or below when targeted—a statistic that highlights their exceptional coverage skills.
Kerby Joseph, selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has quickly become a force in the NFL. He stands out as the only player since 2000 to amass over 200 tackles and 15 interceptions through his first 40 starts. This incredible feat speaks to his remarkable ability to impact the game both in the air and on the ground.
Brian Branch, a second-round pick in 2023, has also made a significant impact within a short span. He has exceeded 125 tackles and defended more than 25 passes in just 25 career games, emphasizing his rapid ascent as a defensive playmaker.
The Long Ball Defense
The Lions have also been exceptional in defending the long pass. This season, they have allowed only one completion on throws of 20 or more air yards inside the numbers. This level of effectiveness at negating big plays is a crucial component of their defensive strategy, forcing opponents to drive the field methodically, often leading to punts or turnovers.
Special Teams Complement
Special teams have been an integral part of the Lions' success story. Contributing to their top-10 EPA ranking, the special teams unit provides a reliable backbone that complements the offensive and defensive efforts. Whether it's pinning opponents deep within their half or capitalizing on field position, special teams play a pivotal role in securing victories.
The Detroit Lions have crafted a blueprint for success that combines a balanced approach with talented individuals rising to the challenge. As the season progresses, the Lions continue to stand out as a formidable force in the NFL. With their eyes set on further success, fans and analysts alike will watch keenly to see how high this team can soar.