5 Lions Defenders Who Shined in Detroit's Dominant Win Over Miami

You know what they say: defense wins championships, and that’s exactly how the Detroit Lions have been getting it done over the last four weeks.

Detroit held the Miami Dolphins to just nine points, the fewest points any opponent has scored against the Lions this season. Although Miami entered the matchup with a 1–6 record, Detroit did exactly what it needed to do defensively. Despite being without three starters in Jack Campbell, DJ Reed and DJ Wonnum, the Lions completely shut down the Miami offense.

What separates a good team from a great team is the ability to win in different ways, and that’s exactly what Detroit has shown recently. Despite its offense getting off to a hot start this season, the defense has been the driving force behind the team’s recent success.

Let’s take a look at the five highest-graded Lions defenders, according to PFF, who recorded at least 20 snaps against Miami.

1. Aidan Hutchinson – 79.5

After a disappointing performance last week, Hutchinson bounced back and looked like his usual self. He recorded seven total quarterback pressures, including one QB hit and six QB hurries. Although he didn’t get to the quarterback for a sack, Hutchinson earned a 79.5 overall defensive grade and a 73.6 pass-rush grade.

Hutchinson currently holds the highest defensive grade among all edge rushers with a 91.7. His 50 total pressures also lead all edge rushers, while his 90.9 pass-rush grade ranks first at the position. He’s been one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL this season.

2. Tyleik Williams – 78.0

Williams has made a significant leap in his second NFL season, earning his second-highest PFF grade of the year with a 78.0 against Miami. He also recorded his third-highest run-defense grade of the season at 63.5, along with his best pass-rush grade of the year at 82.8.

Williams currently holds a 66.5 overall defensive grade, ranking 33rd among NFL interior defensive linemen. His 72.7 pass-rush grade ranks 19th. Although he has yet to record a sack this season, Williams has accumulated nine QB hurries and 11 total pressures. His continued development has been an encouraging sign for Detroit’s defensive line.

3. Rock Ya-Sin – 77.3

Ya-Sin earned his highest PFF grade of the season while playing at least 15 snaps, recording a 77.3 overall defensive grade against Miami. He also posted a 72.3 run-defense grade and a 69.5 coverage grade, both of which were his best marks of the season.

He was targeted just once, allowing six yards on the reception. After a slow start to the season, Ya-Sin has started to show improvement alongside the rest of Detroit’s defense. With the Lions dealing with several injuries in the secondary, his recent performances have been especially important.

4. Alim McNeill – 75.2

McNeill has been an absolute game-wrecker this season. Against Miami, he earned a 75.2 overall defensive grade, a 72.6 run-defense grade and a 66.1 pass-rush grade. He also recorded three total pressures, including one sack and two QB hurries.

McNeill is playing at an All-Pro level and currently holds an 80.4 overall defensive grade, ranking fourth among 125 interior defensive linemen. His 77.1 pass-rush grade ranks 12th at the position.

Even more impressive, McNeill has six sacks, the most among all interior defensive linemen. His 24 QB hurries also lead the position, while his 34 total pressures rank second. He’s been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines and continues to be one of Detroit’s most valuable defensive players.

5. Derrick Moore – 71.7

Moore made his first career start for Detroit this week, stepping in for the injured Wonnum, who is currently sidelined with a concussion. Despite playing just 33 snaps, Moore made a massive impact, earning a 71.7 overall defensive grade, a 73.6 tackling grade and a 71.1 pass-rush grade.

He recorded five total pressures, including two sacks and three QB hurries. The 33 snaps he played Sunday marked a season high, and his performance could earn him an expanded role moving forward.

Coming into the matchup, Moore had recorded just five total pressures and zero sacks all season. He matched that pressure total in one game against Miami while adding two sacks. He also earned his highest overall defensive grade, pass-rush grade and tackling grade of the season.

With Wonnum sidelined, Moore made the most of his opportunity and gave Detroit another reason to be excited about its young defensive talent.