The Lions' Historic Run Continues: A Closer Look at the Defensive Dynamo
As the NFL season progresses, the Detroit Lions are performing exceptionally well, boasting a remarkable 10-1 record. This start represents their best position in nearly 90 years, harking back to 1934. Several factors are driving this astonishing success, from solid offensive plays to a near-impenetrable defense.
Ranked in the top 10 for Expected Points Added (EPA) per game across offense, defense, and special teams, the Lions are proving themselves as a well-rounded powerhouse. However, it's their defensive prowess that's capturing headlines. Allowing the second-fewest points per game in the league—just 16.6—the Lions are a wall that opponents are struggling to break through.
Recent matches demonstrate the Lions' defensive capacity more strikingly. Since Week 6, after the unfortunate injury of Aidan Hutchinson, the defense has tightened even further, reducing opponents' scoring to an average of 15.3 points per game. Consistently stellar performances have held the Lions' foes to fewer than seven points in consecutive games, leading into Thanksgiving with an astounding streak of 10 straight quarters without permitting a touchdown.
Standout Safeties: Joseph and Branch
A major contributing factor to this defensive mastery is the standout pair of safeties: Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. These two players have been critical in curtailing offensive incursions with exceptional performances in the 2024 season.
Joseph, who was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and Branch, a second-round pick in 2023, have been the defensive anchors for the Lions. Pro Football Focus recognized their remarkable contributions by awarding Joseph a grade of 91.3 and Branch an 88.1. Their defensive stats are impressive—they’ve intercepted a total of 11 passes this season without allowing a single touchdown in coverage.
Uniquely, Joseph and Branch are the only defensive players this season who have contained quarterbacks to a passer rating of 20.0 or below when targeted. Joseph, in particular, has achieved a historic feat: he is the sole player since 2000 to have over 200 tackles and 15 interceptions in his first 40 starts. Meanwhile, Branch has surpassed 125 tackles and has defended over 25 passes across just 25 career games.
Strategic Excellence in Special Teams
The Lions' special teams also play a vital role, contributing to the team's top-10 EPA ranking. This strategic excellence complements their offensive and defensive reliability, creating a balanced and formidable force on the field. The comprehensive strength of the Lions’ game has allowed them to limit just one completion on throws 20 or more air yards inside the numbers this season.
This harmonized synergy across the board showcases why the Detroit Lions are not just winning games, but doing so in a dominant, statement-making fashion. Their ability to adapt and execute with precision across varying facets of the game indicates a team that has not only prepared but has its sights set on a deeper playoff run.
As fans and analysts continue to closely follow their journey, the Lions' unbeaten streak and defensive magnificence form a narrative of resurgence and competitive spirit. The synergy between strategic acumen from coaches, and the relentless tenacity and skill from players like Joseph and Branch, positions the Lions as a team that could redefine expectations this NFL season.
With the season midpoint signaling a mix of challenges and opportunities, the Lions will need to keep riding this momentum. Their sights are set on further cementing this historic start into a cherished chapter of football history.