Detroit Lions: Top 5 Highest-Graded Defenders in Win Over Packers

Perfect is the word that describes the Detroit Lions’ home record this season after they defeated the Green Bay Packers 20–17, winning their first NFC North divisional matchup of the year. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the offense winning this game in a shootout. Instead, Detroit’s defense stepped up, bending but not breaking when it mattered most to secure the victory.

Brian Branch made his return, and his impact was felt immediately. However, he wasn’t the only defender who stepped up against Green Bay. Several Lions defenders delivered impressive performances to help Detroit secure the victory.

Let’s take a look at the five highest-graded PFF defenders for Detroit against the Packers.

1. Aidan Hutchinson — 91.5 PFF Grade

Hutchinson led the Lions’ defense with a 91.5 overall defensive grade, continuing his dominant season. He also earned a 73.2 run-defense grade, a 72.0 tackling grade and an 86.4 pass-rush grade.

Hutchinson currently holds a 92.2 overall defensive grade, the highest among all edge defenders, along with a 91.5 pass-rush grade.

Against Green Bay, Hutchinson recorded one sack and five quarterback hits. He now has 27 quarterback hurries, the most in the NFL, and 42 total pressures, which also leads the league.

2. Brian Branch — 91.1 PFF Grade

In his first game back from injury, Branch played 45 snaps and immediately made his presence felt V6. He recorded a 91.1 overall defensive grade, a 68.1 run-defense grade and an impressive 89.9 coverage grade, the best among Detroit’s defenders in that category this week.

Branch also recorded an interception and four tackles, helping the Lions’ defense make crucial plays against Green Bay.

It’s only one game, but if Branch can maintain this level of play, his return could provide a massive boost to Detroit’s secondary. His versatility and playmaking ability were clearly missed during his absence.

3. D.J. Reed — 84.0 PFF Grade

Reed continued his strong recent play, earning an 84.0 defensive grade against Green Bay. He played 61 snaps and recorded an 83.4 coverage grade, allowing just one reception on two targets for zero yards.

Over his past two games, Reed has averaged an 82.0 overall defensive grade and an 81.2 coverage grade while allowing just five receptions for 30 yards on nine targets.

Despite not always receiving the attention of Detroit’s more recognizable defensive stars, Reed has quietly established himself as one of the NFL’s better-performing cornerbacks. He currently holds a 72.6 overall PFF grade, ranking 13th among 103 qualifying cornerbacks, along with a 71.0 coverage grade, which ranks 20th.

Reed is also leading all cornerbacks in solo tackles and ranks third in stops with 14. His recent performances have been a significant positive for Detroit’s defense.

4. Roger McCreary — 74.0 PFF Grade

McCreary recorded his best PFF grade of the season against Green Bay, earning a 74.0 overall defensive grade across 67 snaps.

He also posted an 80.2 tackling grade and a 72.3 coverage grade. McCreary was targeted five times, allowing just two receptions for 30 yards.

Although his overall season grade currently sits at 59.3, ranking 62nd among 103 qualifying cornerbacks, McCreary has shown encouraging signs of improvement. He also has four pass breakups, ranking ninth among cornerbacks.

Consistency remains an area for growth, but his performance against Green Bay was an encouraging step in the right direction.

5. Alim McNeill — 73.6 PFF Grade

McNeill appears to be fully back from his injury and is playing like it. He earned a 73.6 overall defensive grade against Green Bay, along with a 64.0 run-defense grade, a 68.7 tackling grade and a 70.9 pass-rush grade.

His season-long numbers have been equally impressive. McNeill currently holds an 80.4 overall grade, ranking fifth among all interior defensive linemen, and a 76.5 pass-rush grade, ranking 11th.

McNeill has also recorded five sacks, 20 quarterback hurries and 29 total pressures. His 20 quarterback hurries lead all interior defensive linemen, while his 29 total pressures rank second.