As the current NFL season unfolds, the Detroit Lions find themselves in uncharted territory, boasting a formidable 10-1 record. This exceptional start marks their best since 1934, setting a high bar for the remainder of the season. The Lions have emerged as a powerhouse, ranking within the top 10 in Expected Points Added (EPA) per game across offense, defense, and special teams.
The Defensive Stronghold
The Lions' defense has been nothing short of spectacular, allowing the second-fewest points per game in the NFL this year, averaging just 16.6 points. After Week 6, following a pivotal injury to Aidan Hutchinson, the defense tightened its grip even further, conceding a mere 15.3 points per game since. This resilience has propelled the Lions to hold their opponents to under seven points in back-to-back games as they head into the Thanksgiving showdown.
In a stunning feat, the Lions have not allowed a touchdown in ten consecutive quarters. This defense prowess has been attributed to the exceptional play of safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. These two have been stalwarts in the Lions' secondary, contributing significantly with Pro Football Focus grades of 91.3 and 88.1, respectively.
The Dynamic Duo: Joseph and Branch
Together, Joseph and Branch have intercepted an impressive 11 passes this season without allowing a single touchdown in coverage. Their performance is so effective that they are the only defensive players this season to limit quarterbacks to a passer rating of 20.0 or below when targeted. Joseph, chosen in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has emerged as a standout player. He is the only player since 2000 to achieve over 200 tackles and 15 interceptions in just his first 40 starts.
Branch, selected as a second-round pick in 2023, has rapidly developed into a key component of the Lions' defense. In just 25 career games, he has surpassed 125 tackles and defended more than 25 passes, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. The synergy between Joseph and Branch has become a critical factor in the Lions' defensive success this season.
Lockdown Coverage and Stellar Special Teams
The Lions' defense does not stop with the secondary; their coverage has been airtight, allowing only one completion on throws of 20 or more air yards inside the numbers this season. This performance epitomizes the lockdown approach the Lions have adopted, making it increasingly difficult for opponents to exploit their defense.
Complementing their defensive efforts, the Lions' special teams unit has also played a significant role in maintaining the team's high EPA ranking. This well-rounded performance across all facets of the game underscores the Lions' dominance during this historic season.
As the season advances, the Lions continue to defy expectations, riding high on their remarkable start. With a defense that's shutting down offenses league-wide and a special team unit that excels under pressure, the Detroit Lions have quickly become one of the NFL's premier teams, capturing the attention and admiration of football fans across the country. The question now remains: how far can they go with such a formidable team on all fronts?