Detroit Lions Roaring: A Season of Dominance in 2024
As the NFL season picks up speed, the Detroit Lions are leaving no room for doubt with a remarkable 10-1 record, marking their best start since 1934. In a city long deprived of football triumph, this season shines as a beacon of renewed hope and prowess.
The Lions have transformed into a formidable force, reaching the top 10 in Expected Points Added (EPA) per game across offense, defense, and special teams. This well-rounded excellence signals a team firing on all cylinders, committed to rewriting history.
Defensive Excellence: The Lions' Shield
Much of Detroit's success is due to a defensive unit that has been nothing short of stifling. Allowing an average of just 16.6 points per game, the Lions’ defense ranks second only in terms of points allowed across the league this season. The unit has only grown stronger since week 6, with an astonishing average of 15.3 points conceded per game despite the setback of Aidan Hutchinson's injury.
Particularly noteworthy is their recent defensive form; the Lions have held opponents to fewer than seven points in consecutive games leading into the much-anticipated Thanksgiving showdown, not allowing a touchdown in ten consecutive quarters. This ironclad defense is pivotal to Detroit’s dominant campaign.
Safety Success: Joseph and Branch Leading the Charge
Among the central figures of this defensive resurgence are safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, whose stellar performances have garnered high approval with Pro Football Focus grades of 91.3 and 88.1, respectively. The duo has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, intercepting 11 passes combined without conceding a touchdown in coverage all season. In fact, they stand alone in the league, holding quarterbacks to a passer rating of 20.0 or below when targeted.
Kerby Joseph has continued to impress since being a third-round steal in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has amassed over 200 tackles and grabbed 15 interceptions through his first 40 starts, a feat unmatched by any player since 2000. Meanwhile, Branch, selected in the second round of 2023, has lived up to his potential and then some. In just 25 games, he has surpassed 125 tackles and defended over 25 passes, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the Lions' defense.
Defensive Acumen and Special Teams Synergy
The Lions' success is not confined to the secondary. The defense as a whole has allowed merely one completion on passing plays over 20 or more air yards inside the numbers this season, showcasing their tactical acumen and preparation.
Special teams have equally bolstered the team’s capabilities, helping to rank them in the top ten for EPA in this crucial area. This aspect often overlooked in the shadow of offensive and defensive stats, has provided the Lions with strategic field position advantages and a platform for sustained pressure.
A Season to Remember
Detroit’s 2024 performance is not merely about the numbers but the narrative of a team emerging as strong contenders. With Thanksgiving games traditionally carrying significant emotional weight, the Lions enter the holiday with momentum and dreams of postseason glory. The city can sense the electricity, reminiscent of yesteryears, when the Lions were perennial challengers.
Ultimately, a harmonious blend of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and special teams effectiveness has sculpted a Lions team poised to challenge the very best the NFL has to offer. As the season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Detroit, eagerly watching to see if this formidable team will claw their way to the top and perhaps seal a triumph that fans have long awaited.