Lions Fans Won’t Believe Where DJ Reed Ranks Among NFL Cornerbacks

The Detroit Lions’ defense may have finally come alive. If you exclude the garbage-time touchdown Arizona scored in the final seconds of the game, Detroit has allowed just 31 points over its past two matchups. That’s a significant improvement after the Lions allowed each of their first four opponents to score at least 30 points.

The return of Brian Branch was felt immediately, as he recorded a 91.1 overall defensive PFF grade and an 89.9 coverage grade, the highest coverage grade on the defense. Branch also came down with an interception, providing a major boost to Detroit’s secondary.

Branch wasn’t the only defensive back who played well. Khalil Dorsey, who played just 14 snaps, recorded an 87.7 overall defensive grade. He allowed just one reception for five yards on four targets while also recording a pass breakup.

Rock Ya-Sin also had his best game of the season. Despite playing just 14 snaps, he recorded an 85.7 overall defensive grade and an 87.0 coverage grade.

However, one of the biggest X-factors for Detroit’s defense has been DJ Reed, who has started to play much better. Reed recorded an 84.0 overall defensive grade, the fifth-highest mark on the Lions’ defense. He played 61 snaps and earned an 83.4 coverage grade while allowing just one reception for zero yards on two targets. Reed also recorded a pass breakup.

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

Many fans might not believe it, but Reed now owns a 72.6 overall PFF grade, ranking 13th among 103 qualifying cornerbacks. His 71.0 coverage grade ranks 20th at the position. Reed is also leading all cornerbacks in solo tackles and ranks third with 14 stops.

Chuck Clark has also played well, earning a 72.3 overall grade this season. That ranks 20th among 93 qualifying safeties.

As expected, Aidan Hutchinson continues to lead the way up front. He owns a 92.2 overall defensive grade, the highest among all edge rushers, along with a 91.5 pass-rush grade, which also ranks first at the position.

Alim McNeill has been another standout, recording an 80.4 overall defensive grade that ranks fifth among interior defensive linemen. McNeill currently has a higher overall defensive grade than several established stars, including future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, All-Pro Jeffrey Simmons and future Hall of Famer Cameron Heyward.

Despite playing one fewer game than many other teams, Detroit remains tied for first in the NFL with 21 sacks.

With the Minnesota Vikings coming to town, the Lions’ defense will need to keep building on its recent success. If Detroit’s pass rush continues to generate pressure and its secondary maintains its improved play, the defense could be the difference-maker in this divisional matchup.