The Detroit Lions currently rank 2nd in their division with a record of 4-1 after a statement victory on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. Now that they are just about a quarter of the way through the year, we will pass out progress reports to each of the position groups on the defensive side of the ball.

SECONDARY: C

The Detroit Lions retooled the vast majority of their Cornerback room to improve on the mishaps last year. The Lions were very pleased when talented shutdown corner Terrion Arnold fell to them at the 24th pick in the 1st round. Thus far he has been a disappointment holding down the CB2 role opposite Carlton Davis. The Lions are ranked 27th against the pass, which could partially be due to the exuberant amount of throws they have seen due to  their strong rush defense. The most glaring statistic is the Lion’s defense have committed the most defensive penalties for the most yards. This is highly attributed to the multitude of pass inferences and holding calls at the hands of Terrion Arnold, who has committed 8 infraction on his own. The Safety play has been a bright spot for the team led by Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Kerby Joseph has 4 interceptions on the season and boast a 83.8 pff grade, which is 4th highest at his position. Branch bounced back well securing two interceptions and forcing a fumble in his first game back after suffering a concussion versus the Cardinals.

Lions rookie CB Terrion Arnold keeps getting better https://t.co/yCMUruiVw4 pic.twitter.com/Pc4StFJRZs

— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) October 12, 2024

LINEBACKERS: B-

The linebacking core has been a fairly bright spot for the team. They have continued the success that they had last year. The Lions currently rank 4th best against the rush and top 12 in both receiving against TEs and RBs. The linebacking core has been banged up so far this year.  Coverage specialist Alex Anzalone has missed one game with a concussion and defensive anchor Derrick Barnes has been sideline indefinitely with a knee injury, which could keep him out for the remainder of the season. Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Malcom Rodriguez have done a good job covering in reserve roles, and they will have to continue patch up the void left by Barnes who was on pace for a career year.

DEFENSIVE LINE: B

One of the more heavily scrutinized position groups going into the season was the defensive line. Many people were not pleased about how the Lions chose to address it via free agency and the draft. The two constants that the Lions could depend on were Aidan Hutchinson, and when healthy Alim Mcneil. Hutchinson came into the Cowboys continuing to thrive with a 93.8 PFF rating and a league-leading 6.5 sacks. Aiden recorded 4.5 sacks in a single game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions will likely be without him for the remainder of the year after he suffered a lower leg injury. DJ Reeder and Alim Mcneil have been a two man wrecking crew inside which has attributed to the team’s stubbornness against the rush. Levi  Onwuzurike also been a surprisingly bright spot on the inside as well, after being sidelined the last few years with injuries. He has contributed 3 sacks and a forced fumble thus far.

The question still remains can they get consistent pressure off the edge. Especially so, after the devastating loss of Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions enjoyed the luxury of a talented Marcus Davenport but no sooner then they could get used to it, he went down with a possible season-ending injury of his own. The Lions will have to lean on a edge rusher by committee of James Houston, Joshua Paschal, and Mekhi Wingo. Any added pressure they can produce will alleviate some burden off the struggling secondary.