As the NFL season continues to unfold, the Detroit Lions are making headlines, not just with their impressive record but with a resurgence that echoes their historical best. Standing tall with a 10-1 record, the Lions have secured their best start since the 1934 season, positioning themselves not just as contenders in the current season but as a formidable force evoking past glory.
Dominance Across the Board
What sets the Lions apart this season is their all-around excellence, with their performance on offense, defense, and special teams placing them in the top 10 in Expected Points Added (EPA) per game—a metric that vividly captures the team’s overall effectiveness. The Lions’ defense, in particular, has been a standout unit. Allowing an average of just 16.6 points per game, they have conceded the second-fewest points across the league. This defensive prowess has only intensified since Week 6, following a pivotal moment when defensive end Aidan Hutchinson went down with an injury, pushing others to raise their game. Since then, the Lions have dialed down the defensive pressure even more, allowing just 15.3 points per game.
The tenacity and stinginess of the Lions’ defense were underscored by their astonishing feat of keeping opponents from reaching the end zone for ten straight quarters, a testament to their defensive discipline and tactical acumen. As the Thanksgiving games approach, they remain unyielding, having held opponents to under seven points in consecutive games.
Sterling Performance from the Safeties
Central to this defensive renaissance are the standout performances of safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Joseph, selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has emerged as a defensive stalwart. In the early phase of his career, Joseph has amassed a remarkable record, standing alone since 2000 as the only player to gather over 200 tackles and 15 interceptions through his first 40 starts. His aggressive yet astute defensive play earns high regard, reflected in his Pro Football Focus grade of 91.3.
Branch, not to be outdone, has quickly made a name for himself following his second-round selection in 2023. Demonstrating the poise and consistency of a seasoned veteran, Branch has accumulated over 125 tackles and defended more than 25 passes in just 25 games—a pace that suggests he could soon eclipse many long-standing records. His astute coverage and tackling ability are invaluable to the Lions’ defensive schematics, highlighted by his impressive rating of 88.1 according to Pro Football Focus.
The duo's synergy in the secondary is particularly remarkable. They have combined for 11 interceptions this season without conceding a single touchdown on their watch—a defensive rarity. Their ability to lock down quarterbacks is further reinforced by statistics that show neither allows a passer rating above 20.0 when targeted, placing them in a league of their own this season.
Strategic Depth and Success
The Lions’ strategic depth doesn’t stop with their defensive backfield. Their special teams have played a pivotal role in bolstering their overall EPA rating, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. It is this comprehensive team effort that has allowed them to effectively stymie offensive threats, highlighted by allowing only one completion on passes of 20 or more air yards inside the numbers this season.
As the Lions continue to capitalize on their winning streak, they are poised to break new ground, perhaps even challenging for a position in the upper echelons of the NFL by season's end. Their mix of youthful exuberance and veteran savvy, demonstrated by players like Joseph and Branch, signals a bright future for Detroit football. Watching how this narrative unfolds adds an engaging layer to this NFL season, with the Lions at the heart of one of its most compelling stories.