Detroit Lions Week 7 report card: Offensive regression overshadows defensive progression
By Zach Payne
Run defense: 3/5 stars
After a spectacular first half, the dam broke a bit in the second half for the Lions’ defense. The Cowboys’ first drive in the third quarter showcased everything that has been wrong with the run defense, as they effortlessly marched down the field and punched it in.
Though, Detroit was able to recover some. Overall, the front seven did a good job against the run. There were a few hiccups here and there but on the whole, it was a pretty good game. Detroit was especially effective at stopping the run on third and short situations. Josh Paschal played a big role in that department, as he was a force playing in the big defensive end role. Unfortunately, the opening drive of the second half and a few isolated runs hamper the overall numbers.
Pass defense: 4/5 stars
A lot of talk was had about how Dak Prescott’s return was going to elevate the Cowboys’ passing game. It seemed like a logical thought process…starting quarterback returns against an awful defense. The pieces were there. Surprisingly though, the Lions stepped up big time.
A major factor was the pass rush. With the return of Paschal, Aidan Hutchinson was freed up to play the rush-end role. In that spot he was a disruptive force, tallying 1.5 sacks, multiple quarterback hits and a number of pressures. Paschal himself also showcased his power and explosiveness, which resulted in a few pressures.
That’s precisely the game plan to get the pass defense to where the Lions need it. When the pass rush doesn’t get home, the secondary can’t hold up. That was most apparent whenever CeeDee Lamb would line up in the slot opposite A.J. Parker. When the pass rush is productive though, it makes everything click into place a lot smoother.
Best defensive player: CB Jeff Okudah
This was probably the best game Okudah has had as a Lion. He was effective in coverage, only giving up a couple of short completions in the game. But it was defending the run where he shined.
The way Okudah was deployed was almost how a box safety would be used. He was much closer to the line, playing alongside the linebackers so he could shoot gaps.
In that role, Okudah was an absolute force. He finished the game with 15 total tackles, 12 of them solo. A lot of them came at or near the line of scrimmage too. There was one phenomenal tackle for loss early, where Paschal forced the running back to cut outside and Okudah absolutely laid him out.
Overall it was a very impressive game from Okudah as he continues to impress this season.
Worst defensive player: LB Alex Anzalone
Anzalone wasn’t especially awful, he even had a few nice plays defending the run. Unfortunately, he had a rough day in coverage.
Between being flagged multiple times, and getting beat when in man coverage, Anzalone was the only defender who really stood out in an overtly negative way on Sunday. Not his worst game ever, far from his worst game as a Lion even, but he was consistently the weak link.