The Detroit Lions’ remarkable season came to a tough end, but now the focus shifts to the future. Over the next couple of weeks, MLive will provide in-depth reviews of each position group.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Starters (end of season): CB Terrion Arnold, CB Amik Robertson, DB Brian Branch, S Kerby Joseph, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu
Backups: CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver, S Loren Strickland, S Erick Hallett, CB Kindle Vildor, DB Morice Norris
Injured: CB Carlton Davis III, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Khalil Dorsey, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Key Stats: Kerby Joseph led the NFL with nine interceptions. Brian Branch added four interceptions, with the two forming one of the top safety duos in the league. Branch was later moved to the slot out of necessity due to injuries. As for Terrion Arnold, despite playing significant snaps in his rookie season, he didn’t manage to grab an interception.
The Lions finished 23rd in the NFL, allowing 6.4 net passing yards per attempt, and ranked 30th in total passing yards allowed. However, they were dominant in critical situations like third and fourth downs and red-zone defense. Pro Football Focus ranked Detroit’s coverage sixth in the league.
Ben’s Grade: B-
Breakdown: The Lions, much like their defensive line and pass rushers, were impacted by injuries, and the secondary was no exception. In a key game late in the season, Carlton Davis III and Khalil Dorsey were both lost, depleting the cornerback depth in a hurry. However, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and his group adapted, with Amik Robertson moving outside and Brian Branch shifting back to the slot. Ifeatu Melifonwu also helped stabilize things with his ability to play multiple secondary positions.
But when Robertson was injured early in the divisional round, the team’s depth was tested beyond its limits, and the Lions ran into trouble against Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. The secondary’s depth had been stretched too thin.
Davis is set to be a free agent and is considered one of the top cornerbacks on the market. Pro Football Focus ranked him 21st among corners, though many believe his performance may warrant a higher ranking.
Robertson is expected to recover from his playoff injury in time for the offseason program. It will be interesting to see how new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard utilizes both Robertson and Branch, particularly after Branch was forced to shift to safety due to injuries.
In his rookie year, Terrion Arnold saw a lot of playing time, with some highs and lows. The Lions appreciate his aggressiveness and confidence on and off the field. Though he struggled with penalties early in the season, he cleaned up his game, getting only two penalties after Week 6. Heading into next season, Arnold is expected to be either CB1 or CB2, depending on what happens with Davis. The learning curve for rookie cornerbacks in the NFL is steep, but the Lions believe the lessons learned this season will pay off quickly.
“I’ll be the best corner in the league pretty soon,” Arnold said at the end of the season.
Kerby Joseph is coming off a breakout year in which he led the NFL in interceptions and earned All-Pro honors in just his third season. The Lions are likely looking to extend Joseph as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. He’s intercepted 17 passes across his first three seasons and was ranked as the top safety by PFF. The high level of play from both Joseph and Branch helped stabilize the defense throughout the season.
Branch had another standout year, posting 109 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack, and six quarterback hits. He also intercepted four passes and forced a fumble. This earned him a Pro Bowl selection, and he was graded as PFF‘s top safety against the run and second-best pass-rusher at his position.
Looking ahead, the Lions have the foundation to take a big step forward. With Branch and Joseph potentially forming the best safety duo in the NFL, if they can improve cornerback depth and continue to develop Robertson and Arnold, this secondary could become a formidable force. However, questions remain, particularly regarding Joseph’s contract extension, as well as the future of Davis, Dorsey, and Kindle Vildor, who are all free agents this offseason.
