Kerby Joseph sends strong message to Lions' remaining opponents

The Detroit Lions dominated the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, and the beating sent another message that's reverberating around the league.

These Lions are scary, and no matter what kind of team they take on, they are able to put up points, find ways to win and even completely dominate some games. It's a fact that is not lost on players in the locker room, especially safety Kerby Joseph.

Joseph is no stranger to speaking his mind, and following a dominating win where he played a leading role, he offered another stark warning to the final seven teams the Lions play this year. Show up for those remaining games, or prepare to be humbled.

"If you're really not coming ready to play, we're going to give you a beating, that's for sure. We're just playing football. If you're not coming ready to win, then you're going to get your (expletive) whooped, like, for real."

Joseph disagrees with the notion that the Lions are trying to embarrass teams every week, simply saying that bringing a consistent effort is key to beat them. So far this season, only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been able to crack this particular code.

The Lions only seem to be getting stronger as the season wears on, and Joseph knows the fire he and his teammates bring to the field. Unless he starts to see more of it from the other sideline, he knows what direction things will continue to go.

Kerby Joseph explains how his game has evolved

If there's one Lions' player who has the right to talk whatever trash he wants, it's Joseph. He has become one of the best young defenders in the league and backs up his words with actions. Since joining Detroit in 2022, Joseph has collected 15 interceptions.

Joseph leads the league with seven interceptions this season, and if it seems the game is starting to slow down for him, that would be true. His illustration of his interception against the Jaguars was an acknowledgement of it.

"For sure (it's slowing down). I feel like every, year (it) just keeps getting slower and slower and slower. Now it's just on my timing, Joseph said. "When that ball left Mac (Jones') hand, I ain't going to lie, I saw it before he even threw it. I saw him pat (the ball) and I knew he was trying to go, so I'm like, 'oh that's a pick, finally, I've been waiting on (one) all game.'"

Joseph has evolved along with the Lions. It's to the point where both parties can simply overwhelm the opposition if a consistent effort isn't brought.