Predicting the Detroit Lions starting defense for Week 5 matchup vs. Panthers

Predicting the Detroit Lions starting defense for Week 5 matchup vs. Panthers: Find out who we believe will start vs. the Panthers.

Predicting the Detroit Lions starting defense for Week 5 matchup vs. Panthers

Don't look now, but our Detroit Lions have one of the Top 5 defenses (According to DVOA) in the entire NFL! With that being said, on Sunday, the defense will have a chance to get some revenge against a Carolina Panthers team that ran all over them in 2022. With that being said, let's take a look at what the Lions starting defense should look like in Week 5.

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Who will be on the Detroit Lions Starting Defense?

  • EDGE – Aidan Hutchinson
  • EDGE – Charles Harris
  • DT – Alim McNeill
  • DT – Benito Jones
  • LB – Alex Anzalone
  • LB – Derrick Barnes
  • CB – Cam Sutton
  • CB – Jerry Jacobs
  • NB – Will Harris
  • S – Tracy Walker
  • S – Kerby Joseph

What is Different?

As you can see, S Kerby Joseph will be returning to the starting lineup, but NB Brian Branch is out. Replacing Branch at NB should be Will Harris.

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TL;DR (too long didn't read)

  1. Top-Ranked Defense: The Detroit Lions have quietly emerged with one of the Top 5 defenses in the NFL, as per DVOA rankings.
  2. Seeking Revenge: In this Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, the Lions' defense has a chance to seek revenge for their performance against the Panthers in 2022, where Carolina exploited their weaknesses.
  3. Projected Starting Defense: The Lions' starting defense for Week 5 is poised to make an impact. Key players like EDGE Aidan Hutchinson and S Kerby Joseph return to the lineup. Notable changes include NB Brian Branch being replaced by Will Harris.

Bottom Line: DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!

As the Detroit Lions prepare to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 5, their highly-ranked defense takes center stage. With an opportunity for redemption and the return of S Kerby Joseph, the Lions' defense aims to maintain its dominant performance and prove that it can thwart the Panthers' offensive efforts. Look for the Lions' defense to make a HUGE STATEMENT on Sunday at Ford Field!