Detroit Lions Week 9 report card: Lions hang on for a win over the Packers
By Zach Payne
Run defense: 4/5 stars
The Packers amassed 106 yards rushing on Sunday. In a vacuum that seems like a respectable total. However, they were incredibly inefficient on the ground. AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones combined to have 20 rushes for 59 yards–an average of just under three yards per carry.
Containing the quarterback scrambling was an issue again though. Aaron Rodgers was able to pick up 40 yards on four rushes, as he picked up first downs on multiple third-and-longs.
Pass defense: 3/5 stars
It wasn’t exactly a phenomenal defensive effort, but the Lions were very opportunistic. The game plan was very clear to play a bend-don’t-break style, and they played it very well.
Packers got to Detroit's red zone six times today and scored twice
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) November 6, 2022
The secondary still showed cause for concern, and the pass rush was very ineffective. However, there were some positive flashes that gave Lions’ fans something to cheer for on Sunday. Considering where this defense had been coming into the week, that’s about as good a result as anyone could’ve asked for.
Best defensive player: S Kerby Joseph
When Detroit drafted Joseph back in the spring, one of the talking points was how he had a nose for the football. Consider Sunday’s game further reinforcement of that notion. Joseph picked off Aaron Rodgers twice and added a touchdown-saving pass breakup as well.
Joseph was unfortunately knocked out of the game due to a potential concussion. However, he flashed once more the big play potential that made Detroit want to draft him. For someone that was considered more of a long-term project, he’s looking pretty solid just eight games into his career.
Worst defensive player: DT Benito Jones
The lack of depth at defensive tackle has been well-established. When Jones was on the field, he struggled to disengage from blocks against the run and in pass rush situations.
Not that he plays a huge role on this defense, but Jones has not been very effective this season. It might be worth a conversation between Jones and Michael Brockers over who has been more ineffective.