By: VINCENT MENDOZA / STAFF WRITER
After a shaky start to open the season, the scorching hot Detroit Lions improve to franchise-best 10-1 after a 24-6 week twelve victory against the Indianapolis Colts. Their 10-1 record – propelled by a nine game winning streak – stands alone atop the NFC and tied with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the entire league.
Detroit’s offense, led by head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, is rolling on all cylinders. The Lions are first in points per game with 32.7, point differential, outscoring their opponents by 16.1 points per game, total touchdowns with 45 and have already achieved four 40+ point games, all resulting in blowout victories. This lethal offense isn’t spearheaded by one individual, rather a full team effort that starts in the backfield.
The Motor City running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who now go by the nickname Sonic and Knuckles, are widely regarded as the best RB duo in the NFL – and for good reason. Through 11 games, Gibbs has totaled 154 carries for 886 yards (5.8 yds/att.) and has found the endzone 10 times, while Montgomery has tallied 156 carries for 632 yards (4.4 yds/att.) and has punched it in 11 times. The tandem of elite backs allows the Lions to run a diverse amount of offensive schemes and plays, keeping opposing defenses on their toes.
Under center, quarterback Jared Goff has been nothing short of phenomenal for Detroit. Goff has completed 223 of his 306 passing attempts, throwing for 2,761 passing yards and 20 tds with nine interceptions, five of which came from a comeback victory against the Houston Texans in week 10. The three-time Pro-Bowler is second in the NFL in completion percentage at 72.9% while boasting a passer rating of 109.9 which trails only behind Tua Tagovailoa the reigning MVP Lamar Jackson respectively.
Detroit’s receiving core has shown substantial improvement in recent years but they’ve truly found their stride this season. The leader of the receivers, two-time Pro Bowler Amon-Ra St. Brown has continued to strengthen the connection between him and his QB. In 11 games played, St. Brown has totaled 71 receptions for 747 yds and 9 receiving TDs – the second most in the NFL. Although these numbers are down from previous years, Goff does not have to utilize his wide receivers as much due to the dominance of the running back duo in Gibbs and Montgomery. This also reigns true for tight end Sam LaPorta, who despite receiving less targets this season, has been an integral part of the Lions’ success.
However, third year wide receiver Jameson Williams has already surpassed his production from his first two seasons combined, despite missing two games to suspension for violating the NFL’s PED’s policy. Through nine games, Jamo has totaled 29 receptions for 402 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old ranks second in the NFL in yards per catch with 20, trailing Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts.
Much of this success can also be attributed to Detroit's offensive line – which is widely regarded as the best in the league – who are led by 2021 seventh overall pick and two-time Pro-Bowler, Penei Sewell.
Despite the loss of defensive star Aidan Hutchinson, who was leading the league in sacks by a good margin before his season-ending injury in week six, as well as minor injuries to D-linemen Josh Paschal and Malcolm Rodriguez, the Lions defense – led by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn – has held up incredibly well, holding opponents to just 16.6 ppg (second in NFL). The safety duo of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have done amazing things for the Lions secondary, totaling 11 interceptions. On the defensive line, left defensive tackle Alim NcNeill and middle linebacker Alex Anzalone have stepped up in the absence of Hutchinson, keeping the Lions in the top half of the NFL in pressures.
The Detroit Lions, led by Coach of the Year candidate Dan Campbell and MVP candidate Jared Goff, have proven time and again that they are here to stay. Lions fans across the country are extremely optimistic about their chances to see their favorite team – who has been one of the worst franchises in the NFL since its existence – potentially attend their first ever Super Bowl in franchise history and bring a championship to Motor City.
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