Heading into their bye week 6-2, the Detroit Lions are leading the NFC North by two games. Their midseason grades are exactly what the doctor ordered. They have played like one of the best teams in the NFC the entire season, and Dan Campbell has the boys performing at a high level, barring the two losses. This is the ideal time to evaluate the first half of the season, with eight weeks completed, this bye week, and nine weeks left.
Before the season, there was never any doubt about the Detroit Lions offense. They have been one of the more balanced offenses in the NFL, rushing the ball 44% of the time and throwing it 56% of the time, thanks to Jared Goff and a potent but injured offensive line. Since David Montgomery hasn’t been playing for a few weeks, the offense has found other ways to get the ball into the hands of their playmaker, which has hurt these numbers a little. In terms of DVOA, their offense ranks sixth overall in the NFL. Let’s examine it in terms of position.
Without a doubt, Jared Goff has this team in a position to make the playoffs and possibly win a postseason game for the first time in many years. His performances have inspired those around him, and when he settles into a game, it’s usually a bad sign for the opposition. Goff is now passing for 2,174 yards and 12 touchdowns on 68% of his passes, with five interceptions. Although it hasn’t been flawless, his play has come pretty close. He can correct a few of his own “stupid mistakes,” and if he does, this offense will continue to rise in the rankings.
Total Score: A-
Detroit went berserk when the Lions traded up to acquire Jahmyr Gibbs. At the time, it didn’t make sense, but on Monday night, Brad Holmes’ draft choice of him there was evident. At 5.3 yards per attempt, he leads the team in rush attempts. After six games, he has accumulated 564 scrimmage yards, including 165 yards gained through the air, ranking third all-time in franchise history.
The most scrimmage yards by a @Lions player through six-career games:
1. 914 – Billy Sims (1980)
2. 569 – Barry Sanders (1989)
3. 564 – Jahmyr Gibbs (2023)Last night, he became the 4th rookie in team history to produce 150+ rushing yards and a TD in a single game.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/8ElNPw5LPL
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) October 31, 2023
However, he is not the sole backfield occupant. Montgomery was signed by the Lions during the offseason, and he has performed admirably. Despite missing a few weeks of play due to an injury, he still managed to rush for almost 400 yards and six touchdowns. In the second half and throughout the playoffs, anybody facing the formidable Lions backfield should be wary. There is only health to worry about.
Without this ensemble of characters to throw to, Jared Goff could not accomplish what he does. Josh Reynolds has only two drops in 30 targets, St. Brown is a top-10 receiver with at least 44 snaps, Jameson Williams has struggled with drops but is starting to fit into the offense. In general, this group is very similar to the quarterback and running backs; they are both talented and reliable players who greatly enhance this offense. But Jameson’s delayed development does deduct a little from their grade.
