Don’t write off the stellar performance of the Lions’ defense based on Atlanta’s offense. The Falcons’ offense was plenty good enough to win the first two weeks.
What we watched Sunday was redemption for Lions’ coordinator Aaron Glenn and his defense during a 20-6 victory.
The Lions racked up seven sacks and held the Falcons’ vaunted running attack to 2.2 yards per carry. This was done with a depleted secondary that was missing highly-regarded free agent signings C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Moseley, as well as starting safety Kerby Joseph.
The Lions’ game plan worked perfectly. They stacked the line of scrimmage and brought immense pressure. It stymied Falcons’ runners Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, and took second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder out of his comfort zone. The Lions forced Ridder to try to beat them with his arm contained in the pocket. Ridder, without the benefit of a successful running attack to set up play-action options, was ineffective throwing into the tighter windows..
Several Detroit defenders had terrific games. The best was Brian Branch. In retrospect, given his college resume at Alabama, and the growing importance of slot corner in the NFL, it is puzzling Branch lasted until the 45th overall pick in the draft.
His pick-six turned the tide vs. Kansas City in the opener. Sunday, he had three tackles for loss and defended two passes. He hits and tackles like a linebacker despite being just 205 pounds, yet covers like a corner. Branch is playing himself into contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Regardless of how he actually plays, there is still much angst about veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone. Why? He set the tone Sunday with two big hits on the opening drive and was strong throughout. Tracey Walker stepped in and performed well at safety. The Lions dusted off often-injured safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, and he turned in, by far, his most significant NFL performance. Rookie linebacker Jack Campbell had his best game, and the interior defensive line was excellent.
The improvement of the Lions’ defense last season was a significant factor in their turnaround. Yet, the defense tends to get little credit in victory, but skewered after a loss, like unfairly last week vs. Seattle.
That won’t be the case after this performance. The Lions’ offense was decidedly mediocre, yet the defense had its back at every turn.
Give credit where it’s due. No, make that credit where it’s been due.