With one of the best records in the NFL, the 6-1 Detroit Lions are currently on top of the NFC North Division. Television commentators have declared the explosive, innovative Lions the most fun team to watch in the NFL. So how are the Lions getting the job done?
How the Detroit Lions Are Getting the Job Done
In their last four games, the Lions have scored a combined total of 172 points. Rated one of the NFL’s most efficient and productive quarterbacks, Jared Goff has been outstanding this season. Goff became only the fourth quarterback in the NFL to achieve a passer rating over 140 for three consecutive games. Completing 140 of 189 attempts for 1,695 yards with 13 touchdowns for 83.5%, Goff is playing at an MVP level.
The Best in the NFL
In addition to Goff’s passing efficiency and calm steadying presence, the Detroit offense features one of the best ground games in the league. The Lions have arguably the NFL’s top running-back duo in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. The talented pair have over 1,000 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns between them. The duo’s differing styles create a perfect complement. Exhibiting a style reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch in full-on beast mode, fighting for additional yardage and dragging several defenders in his wake, Montgomery is the rugged workhorse. Gibbs is the supersonic speedster, capable of exploding upfield at an astonishing rate of 22 mph. The Dolphins may have their cheetah, but we have “sonic.”
Defensive Prowess
It’s no secret the Lions’ front office hopes to acquire another defensive player after losing elite edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. However, trading for a premiere talent like Maxx Crosby could skew the Lions’ salary cap and cost them valuable personnel in a compensatory exchange. It could also severely handicap the team’s future draft options if the trade involves first or second-round picks.
But instead of making a panic-fueled trade and mortgaging the farm for a top-rated player, the Lions are taking their time. The popular opinion is that even an elite talent won’t replace Hutchinson.
In the meantime, the front office is carefully reviewing all options. The coverage gap left by Hutchinson’s absence has been addressed using a committee approach from the Lions’ current roster. Thus far, the decision to hold off on making an immediate trade has paid off.
Even without Hutchinson on the field, the Lions’ defense is averaging multiple sacks per game. The defense is rated second in the NFL in takeaways with 10 interceptions and five fumble recoveries. The talented trio of Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Kerby Joseph lead the team in tackles. Brian Branch is right behind and second only to Joseph with four interceptions.
Special Teams Play
Last week, the Lions’ defense and special teams combined for over 300 yards and 16 points in the 52-14 rout over the Tennessee Titans. Special teams play under coordinator Dave Fipp has been nothing less than extraordinary. Punter Jack Fox and kicker Jake Bates have been among the NFL’s best all season. In last week’s game against the Tennesee Titans, special teams accounted for three returns over 60 yards each. Punt returner Kaliff Raymond was exceptional, scoring both a 90-yard kickoff return and a receiving touchdown in the same game.
Tone Setters
The statistics are staggering, but even more impressive for a team that spent decades floundering at the bottom of the NFL. This season has been an example of a complete team effort. The Lions are united in their quest and putting forth an extraordinary effort to fill the gap when a teammate goes down. The jubilant post-game locker room celebrations feature multiple game balls being distributed and cheering each other on in support.
But the season is only half over. There is still a lot of football to be played and games to be won. The Lions’ mission won’t be complete until the Lombardi Trophy is proudly displayed at Ford Field.
Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
