On Sunday, the Detroit Lions put together an incredibly dominant performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They were so dominant, in fact, that it’s hard to find real fault with any one player. So, for today, let’s just talk about the positives.
Here are four Lions players who were especially impressive in the team’s latest outing.
Stock up: DE Za’Darius Smith
Smith made a splash in his first game with his new team, notching half a fourth-down sack as well as three total pressures on Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones. He now has 5.5 sacks on the season, good for a top-30 mark in the league. The 6-foot-4 defensive end looked comfortable in his first outing as a Lion, and fans have good reason to be optimistic.
A healthy Smith is a massive improvement to this defensive line, and he’s going to be a lot of fun to watch throughout the rest of the season.
Absolutely loved the way Aaron Glenn was using Za’Darius Smith to manufacture pressure yesterday.
This versatility with Smith was the main reason I wanted him.
More stunts and stand-up mug looks plz. #Lions pic.twitter.com/JdPTMMUpAi
— Brett Whitefield (@BGWhitefield) November 18, 2024
Stock up: WR Jameson Williams
In a game full of offensive stars for Detroit, Jameson Williams shined the brightest. He racked up 124 yards (a career-high) along with one touchdown on a total of four catches and looked more explosive than ever before. It was his second impressive performance in a row — since returning from his two-game suspension, he’s been on a heater.
Consistency obviously remains key for the young wideout, but he’s starting to stack solid outings. On Sunday, we got a good look at the kind of player Jameson Williams can be when everything’s clicking. That player is an All-Pro.
#Lions WR Jameson Williams is currently 2ND in the NFL amongst qualified receivers in yards per reception (22.4)
Just get him the rock. pic.twitter.com/U3roNOgx7U
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) November 19, 2024
Stock up: QB Hendon Hooker
Hendon Hooker didn’t see a ton of action in Sunday’s game, but he made the most of his snaps. The second-year quarterback completed three of his four pass attempts for 37 yards and did not take a sack. He hit his guys in the hands and put together what was his most impressive outing yet. Obviously, the sample size remains small. But Hooker has, at least so far, held his own against NFL competition.
Ideally, the Lions will never require him to fill in for Goff. But on the off chance? It’s good to know that your backup is capable.
Perfect performance from Jared Goff. Hendon Hooker was spectacular. Mac Jones was terrible. pic.twitter.com/tSF02vLMFB
— Alterraun⚡ (@Hockfan445) November 17, 2024
Stock up: S Kerby Joseph
Joseph has already solidified himself as one of the best safeties in the league, but he just keeps getting better anyway. The 6-foot-1, 208-pound defensive back was a key part of Detroit’s dominating defensive performance against Jacksonville, recording a stellar 89.9 PFF grade along with his league-leading seventh interception on the season. The Lions’ secondary has given up the lowest passer rating in the league to opposing quarterbacks so far, and Kerby Joseph is a big reason why.
One would be hard-pressed to name many guys that have been better this year than Joseph — or, arguably, any. He’s been that good. His performance against the Jaguars was outstanding, and it’s becoming what fans expect from the young star.
Kerby Joseph is inevitable #JAXvsDET | 📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/Ph8hXExZuJ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 17, 2024
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