Detroit Lions PFF Grades vs. Ravens: Lions defense craps the bed
The Detroit Lions defense had been playing very well in 2023 until they ran into Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon. In fact, the Lions’ defense was absolutely abused by Jackson and the Ravens’ offense, as they could seemingly do whatever they wanted to all day long on their way to a 38-6 win.
Top 5 Grades
- Alim McNeil 69.7
- Alex Anzalone 69.1
- Ifeatu Melifonwu 66.1
- Khalil Dorsey 65.8
- Romeo Okwara 65.2
Bottom 5 Grades
- Derrick Barnes 28.6
- Jack Campbell 36.5
- Cameron Sutton 47.2
- Benito Jones 50.1
- Kerby Joseph 54.3
Full Grades
Here are all of the grades from Sunday’s loss to the Ravens:
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Lions Defense Struggles: The Detroit Lions’ defense, which had shown promise in the 2023 season, faced a significant setback when they took on the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense exploited the Lions’ defense, dictating the game’s tempo and marching to a resounding 38-6 victory.
- Top Performers: As shown in the image above, not a single Lions defender broke the 70.0 PFF mark in Week 7. Alim McNeil led the way with a grade of 69.7, followed closely by Alex Anzalone at 69.1. Ifeatu Melifonwu, Khalil Dorsey, and Romeo Okwara rounded out the top 5.
- Struggles at the Bottom: On the flip side, some Lions’ defenders faced a tough day on the field. Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell received grades of 28.6 and 36.5, respectively, indicating their challenges in containing the Ravens’ potent offense. Cameron Sutton, Benito Jones, and Kerby Joseph also encountered difficulties in slowing down Baltimore.
Bottom Line: Regroup and Reset
The Lions’ defense, which had shown promise in the 2023 season, faced a daunting challenge against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. While some players put up respectable performances, the overall unit struggled. The stark contrast in grades reflects the diversity of experiences on the field during a challenging game. As the season progresses, the Lions’ defense will look to regroup and come back stronger to maintain their competitive edge.
