The 2022-2023 Detroit Lions in Review
By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Offensively:
The Lions have been a top tiered high-powered offense all season ranking in the top 5-10 consistently in scoring. Much to chagrin of most Lions Fans, Jared Goff was a big reason why. 6th in yardage, 6th in TDs
and ended the season without throwing 1 Interception in 9 weeks. So 7. He did have 2 fumbles lost.
Which was a drastic improvement since last year with 9 INTs and 4 Fumbles lost.
Jamaal Williams was the first Lions running back to rush for over 1000 yards since Reggie Bush in 2014, and the only Lions to rush for 17 touchdowns, breaking the mark set by Lions Legend, and HOF running back Barry Sanders.
D’Andre Swift had glimpses in the beginning of being that featured back. But injuries and not being fully healed for a good part of the season (just like the last 2), have limited his production. But, this was the
first season in Lions history to have 2 Running Backs run for 8+ touchdowns in a single season.
This was the first time in Lions history that there was an offense with 4K passing yards and 2K rushing yards in a single season. Seeing as we have had a former HOF RB and a former HOF WR on this team in the previous few decades. I find that amazing!
Our WR core was lead by none other than the Sun God himself, Amon-Ra St. Brown had a year with 100+ receptions and over 1000 yards. There was nice efforts in the room overall. But, he stood heads and shoulders above all.
Jameson Williams burst onto the seen, but due to a lack of chemistry, and a limited amount of weeks to play. Didn’t have much to offer on the season stat sheet. But, his Touchdown scored on a 41 yards play action pass, the eruption at Ford Field might have registered on the Richter Scale. Because it was amazing! Then 2 weeks later to see that speed we heard about utilized in an end around where he
rushed for 40 yards was a sight to see.
Defensively:
The first 7 weeks of the season, it made a hole that, most of us fans, thought the Lions wouldn’t pull put of. But, after firing the DB Coach and Defensive Passing Game Coordinator Aubrey Pleasant. Plus the fact, a lot of rookie and veteran talent getting healthy at the right time, the Lions put
together a season Lions fans of any ilk should be able to rejoice.
Pressure, Pressure, and more Pressure. The Detroit Lions have lead the season in QB pressures. A lot came while the interior Dlinemen were playing good. Which allows for the 2nd Pick Overall from the 2022 Draft Aidan Hutchinson to emerge as the rookie sack leader with 9.5.
Another rotational pass rusher to watch for going forward is James ‘Da Problem’ Houston. Who once got onto the field. Amassed 7.5 sacks in 9 games! Taking QBs down at every opportunity he had. And us Lions fans were grateful.
Kerby Joseph has established himself as the ballhawk in the safety room we have been missing. 4 Interceptions in his rookie campaign, 3 against our hated Packers QB: Aaron Rodgers. 1 taking away the final possession of the Packers season, thus costing them their shot at the playoffs.
With a record of 9-8 overall, a 5-1 record within the NFC North Division. The future looks mighty bright indeed. 2nd in the division, and their first winning record in 5 years. I love the direction this team is heading going into the offseason.
Thanks For Reading!!!
