The biggest surprise of the Detroit Lions’ season so far has been the stellar safety play, particularly from Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Joseph has been impressive, notching three interceptions and playing a crucial role in the team’s defense. Branch’s transition to safety has also paid off, despite some initial doubts about the move. Their performances have been a significant factor in the Lions’ strong start to the season ¹.

Key Contributors:

– Kerby Joseph: Has taken his game to the next level, showcasing exceptional skills and instincts as a safety. His 83.8 PFF grade is fifth among safeties, demonstrating his impact on the team’s defense.
– Brian Branch: Despite some initial doubts about his move to safety, Branch has proven to be a valuable addition to the Lions’ secondary. His ability to make plays and contribute to the team’s defensive success has been impressive.

The Lions’ safety play has been a pleasant surprise, especially given the injuries and challenges the team faced early in the season. The duo’s performance has helped stabilize the defense and allowed the Lions to compete at a high level ¹.

In addition to the safety play, other surprises for the Lions include ²:
– Alex Anzalone’s resurgence: Anzalone has played some of the best football of his career, taking on a leadership role in the defense and making key plays.
– Sam LaPorta’s impact: LaPorta has been a dominant force in the Lions’ offense, leading the team in receptions and yards. His performance has been a pleasant surprise, even for fans who expected big things from him.

Overall, the Lions’ strong start to the season has been driven by a combination of factors, including their stingy defense and high-powered offense. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if the team can maintain this level of performance and make a deep playoff run.