Detroit Lions Midseason Grades: Defensive Tackle Report Card
By Dean Holden
C.J. Mosley
Aug 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle C.J. Mosley (99) on the bench against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Lions beat the Bills 35-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Production
Mosley has been a great pickup for the Lions, and has filled the rotational DT role previously filled by Sammie Hill brilliantly. He has been more of a run stopper than a pass rusher, though PFF grades him positively in both areas. He’s only in on about 34 percent of the Lions’ defensive plays, but is outpacing Nick Fairley in tackles (nine) and defensive stops (six), while remaining generally penalty-free (one).
Grade: B-
Impact
The simple fact that Mosley is absorbing a lot of snaps means he’s fulfilling the role the Lions wanted from him. The fact that he’s actually playing well (possibly even better than Fairley, the starter), is a huge bonus. He doesn’t post a lot of “wow” plays, but he’s a quietly solid contributor.
Grade: B
Vs. Expectations
Mosley was expected to be a quality reserve player who could take a bunch of snaps and lighten the workload on Suh and Fairley. He’s not exactly a conversation piece, and casual fans probably don’t even know who he is, but he’s doing his job as well as anyone could have hoped.
Grade: B-
Overall
The Lions got Mosley on a reasonable salary to do exactly what Sammie Hill did for them in seasons past, and Mosley has delivered. He’s performing at approximately the same level as Hill, for a fraction of what Tennessee paid him to leave.
Grade: A