The Detroit Lions are off to a 3-1 start to their 2023-24 season! Two of these wins have come in extremely hostile environments on prime-time television.
The Lions opened the season as 4.5-point underdogs against the Kansas City Chief at Arrowhead Stadium with a statement 21-20 victory. Week 4 took the team in to Lambeau Field to take on division rival Green Bay Packers. After getting out to a 24-point halftime lead, they did what they needed to do to close out a 34-20 victory to take sole possession of 1st place in the NFC North.
The Offense:
The Detroit Lions offensive squad ranks No. 8 in the NFL with 106 points scored and No.3 in net yards per attempt (NT/A) at 7.35. Through their first 4 games they have outscored their opponents 106-83, which is good for a +23-point differential. The first 4 weeks of the season have been the complete opposite in relation to overall record (3-1 in 2023 in comparison to 1-3 in 2022), however, the point differential through that first 4 weeks last season was only a -1-differential due to some heartbreaking losses late in games.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson seems to be careful in his deep ball play selection, which consists of only 26 of Goff’s first 136 attempts of the season. Goff has successfully completed 57.6% of these passes (15-of-26) for 378 yards.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta have been a major piece of the offensive success so far. According to NFL Savant, the duo combines for nearly 50% of the offensive pass targets through 4 weeks. St. Brown has been targeted 34 total times with a catch rate of 79.41% (27) while LaPorta has been targeted 27 times with a catch rate of 81.48% (22). Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has also been solid out of the backfield grabbing 14 balls for 70 yards while getting 39 rush attempts for 179 yards and 8 first downs.
David Montgomery has been a workhorse in the running game, getting 69 total attempts accumulating 262 total yards which is good for 3.8 yards per carry. He’s also rushed for at least 1 touchdown (5 total on the season) in each of his first three games with the Detroit Lions, becoming only the 5th running back to do so in franchise history. Mongomery has also rushed for 16 first downs.
The Defense:
There was a lot let to be desired after the first two weeks, despite a 1-1 record with a dominating win against the Chiefs to open the NFL season. After keeping carved up by Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks the Detroit Lions defensive squad had only managed 1 quarterback sack, despite being near the top of the league in total QB pressures. Over the last two weeks (ATL and GB games) the Lions defense has continued to pressure the quarterback and have gotten home 12 times.
Through 4 games the Lions are ranked 2nd in QB Pressures with 49 but have only blitzed at a 17.5% rate. This means the defensive line is getting to opposing quarterbacks and applying pressure with ease. However, there is one area in which the defense could improve, missed tackles, of which they currently have 32 which is good for 4th most in the league.
Aidan Hutchinson has only continued his performance from last season. Currently, he has 19 pressures (good for nearly 39% of the teams 49 pressures) to go along with 11 quarterback hurries, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass defends, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
Rookie Brian Branch could be the steal of the draft and be a front runner for DROY if he’s able to stay healthy and play a full season. To date, he has recorded a team high 25 total tackles (21 solo) to go along with 3 tackles for loss, 4 pass defends and 1 interception; the interception being a Pick 6 off Patrick Mahomes on opening night.