As the NFL season progresses, the Detroit Lions are carving a historic path that has fans and analysts alike buzzing with excitement. Off to their best start since 1934, the Lions' impressive 10-1 record is a testament to their prowess on both sides of the ball, ranking in the top 10 in Expected Points Added (EPA) per game on offense, defense, and special teams.
A Defense to Remember
Central to the Lions’ success is a defense that has been nothing short of formidable. Allowing the second-fewest points per game in the NFL this year at just 16.6, the Lions have showcased a tenacity that few other teams can match. Since Week 6, following Aidan Hutchinson’s leg injury, the Lions' defense has stepped up even further, allowing an average of just 15.3 points per game.
Their recent performances have been particularly remarkable. Entering Thanksgiving, the Lions have held opponents to under seven points in consecutive games and have achieved the rare feat of not allowing a touchdown in ten straight quarters. In an era where scoring is at a premium, these statistics are not just impressive; they’re historic.
The Safety Duo: Joseph and Branch
At the heart of this defensive mastery are safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, who have emerged as perhaps the finest duo in the league since the days of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. In the 2024 season, Joseph and Branch have put together stellar campaigns, with Joseph earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.3, while Branch follows closely with a grade of 88.1. Their efforts are not just individual achievements but are rewriting the team’s defensive playbook.
Together, they have intercepted 11 passes without allowing a touchdown in coverage. Their ball-hawk rates rank them in the top five across the league, further illustrating their dominance in defense. Notably, they are the only defensive players this season to hold quarterbacks to a passer rating of 20.0 or below when targeted.
Historic Accomplishments
Joseph, selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has made history by becoming the only player since 2000 to amass over 200 tackles and 15 interceptions through his first 40 starts. Meanwhile, Branch, a second-round pick in 2023, has established himself as a defensive powerhouse. In just 25 career games, he has surpassed 125 tackles and defended more than 25 passes — a feat unmatched in the last 20 seasons.
The duo’s synergy on the field is reminiscent of great safety partnerships of the past, making them a nightmare for offenses that dare to test them deep. The Lions have allowed only one completion on throws 20 or more air yards inside the numbers this season, showcasing their ability to neutralize deep threats effectively.
Offensive Complements
While the defense has been a standout, the Lions' offense and special teams have kept pace, making this team a comprehensive contender. The offense consistently delivers under pressure, creating a balanced dynamic that complements their defensive efforts.
Special teams are frequently the silent partners in a team’s success, but for Detroit, they have been the lynchpin in close games, contributing to the team’s overall top-10 EPA ranking in this area.
As the Lions continue their march through the season, fans are witnessing the emergence of a team that not only wins games but does so with a style and poise rarely seen in the league today. With a blend of new talent and strategic execution, Detroit is not just rewriting its franchise history; it’s challenging the very paradigms of success within the NFL.
Whether or not they can maintain this momentum remains to be seen, but as it stands, these Lions are a formidable force, setting the stage for what could be a truly memorable season in NFL lore.