The Lions player that's having a breakout season we're not talking enough about and the traits that's making it happen
It's good when you feel like so many players are having noteworthy seasons that you maybe miss a guy or just don't think to talk about it. It feels like that's happening with the Detroit Lions right now. Aidan Hutchinson is exploding, Penei Sewell is killing it, Jameson Williams is breaking out and David Montgomery […]
It's good when you feel like so many players are having noteworthy seasons that you maybe miss a guy or just don't think to talk about it. It feels like that's happening with the Detroit Lions right now.
Aidan Hutchinson is exploding, Penei Sewell is killing it, Jameson Williams is breaking out and David Montgomery is reaching a level we didn't know he had in him. All of this is sort of masking that safety Kerby Joseph is putting up a Pro Bowl or maybe even an All-Pro level year right now.
Through three games Joseph has picked off two passes, he's allowed just two receptions for 20 yards and has an 82.3 Pro Football Focus grade. That's 8th among safeties. Joseph's grade last year was 57.7. This is a massive breakout for him right now.
What's changed? For starters, Joseph is surrounded by a better cast that's allowing him to do his thing. That helps tremendously. But his biggest improvement has been his awareness and anticipation in coverage. Take a look at his interception from Sunday.
Joseph immediately keys into Harrison being the possible target here, so he stays with him while also turning back to look at Kyler Murray about half way. He sees the throw coming and he wisely tracks the ball instead of the receiver. He essentially slows down on purpose to undercut Harrison and jump the route for the pick. It's beautiful. It's the kind of thing that you just get better at as the game starts to slow down for you.
The pick against Stafford really shows that anticipation. Joseph is standing there waiting for it happen. He knows Stafford is going right over the middle and he knows he's in position, so he anticipates it and makes the pick. He barely moves out of his spot. He seems just that sure of it. That's veteran level stuff right there.
There's a lot of football left to be played, but if Joseph continues to play at this level, the Lions are going to be so much better because of it and their offense is going to love him for getting them on the field more with these interceptions.
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