ALLEN PARK -- We’ve spent the last 24 hours talking about how awesome the Detroit Lions and their offense looked on Sunday.
But let’s make sure we give the defense, and a couple of key standouts, some love for their showing, as well. The Lions beat the Washington Commanders, 44-22, moving to 6-3 on the year.
Here are three things we learned from the win -- in the non-Dan Campbell calling the offense category:
Brian Branch does it all well, but he’s a major problem when sent after quarterbacks
Brian Branch led the Lions in tackles (seven), run stuffs (four), sacks (1.5) and quarterback hits (two) in their win over the Commanders. Branch was flying around the field, playing tight in coverage, stuffing the run near the line of scrimmage and bringing the heat whenever sent on blitzes.
His performance was overshadowed by the masterclass offensive showing, with the Lions coach taking over calling the offense again. But we’re going to shine a light on Branch’s game, because it’s a firm reminder he’s one of the best all-around, versatile defensive players in the league.
Branch got caught in what appeared to be busted coverage on a late 41-yard pass to Jaylin Lane and surrendered a touchdown in coverage, per Pro Football Focus. But it was his work near the line of scrimmage and making life hard on Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota that stuck out.
The do-it-all safety played all over the defense, too, per usual. He had three snaps on the defensive line, 18 in the box, 11 back deep at free safety, eight in the slot and two at outside cornerback. Branch turned his three pass-rushing chances into two pressures, two quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks.
That’s great. But once Kerby Joseph returns alongside him at safety, Branch needs to get even more blitz chances, because he rarely misses.
“BB is like a piece of the puzzle. He brings so much to the table,” Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold told MLive last week. “And it’s not even what he brings physically. It’s even his mentality. Like, when you’re out there on the field with him or you get a chance to see it, he’s one of those guys, like I said, when he literally puts on a helmet, he turns into a gladiator.
“So, I mean, just that spirit. And I mean, BB is one of the people where if you’re walking in the woods, I want BB with me.”
RB David Montgomery needs to continue seeing chances early in games
It took only four offensive plays for the Lions to get David Montgomery the ball on Sunday. Jahmyr Gibbs started, balled out, and should continue to see the majority of chances. But Montgomery’s usage, especially on those early drives, was one of the major changes to note under Campbell taking over.
The Lions had an even split, with 15 carries apiece for Gibbs and Montgomery. Gibbs had the breakout day, with 142 yards and two touchdowns, adding 30 yards and another score through the air. But Montgomery was consistent, gaining 71 yards, getting 4.7 yards per rush, giving the Commanders two different flavors to try and figure out.
It was the same as the one before, with Gibbs handling the first drive, and Montgomery starting to get sprinkled in on the second possession. Campbell has always pounded the table for Montgomery, and he didn’t just find a way to get him involved; he tapped into getting a great game out of the veteran.
Montgomery’s 15 carries were the second-most he’s had all season, and the most since his trip back to Cincinnati in early October. The 28-year-old also played a season-high 38 snaps, accounting for another year-high of action on 54.3% of the team’s offensive plays.
So, for those counting at home, Campbell taking over on offense led to big days for Jameson Williams, Gibbs, Montgomery and an improved showing from the offensive line. Put those things together, with all the other mouths to feed on this offense, and they are a nightmare to defend.
“But as far as balancing them out, I would like to balance them out. I would,” Campbell said last month. “I would like to give David some more. Find a place to get him a few more.”
The Lions have a deep DL rotation, and Roy Lopez is taking advantage of his chances.
One of the main changes since Alim McNeill returned to action has been the reduced role for Tyleik Williams. The first-round rookie defensive lineman has shifted from playing 21-plus snaps through his first seven-career games to only 19 across the last two games combined. Williams played a season-low eight snaps against the Commanders, notching no counting stats for the fourth time of the season.
Roy Lopez’s snaps haven’t exploded or anything. But he’s making the most of his 10-15 chances each game, and enjoyed his best showing as a member of the Lions since signing in free agency. The 28-year-old defensive lineman finished as the team’s top-graded defender, per PFF. Lopez was third on the team with five tackles, notched 0.5 sacks and had two tackles for loss across only 12 defensive snaps.
Lopez was also second on the team with three run stops, which are defined as “tackles that constitute a failure for the offense.” It’s the second time in three games that Lopez has popped despite a rotational role of just cracking double-digit snaps. Before the bye week, Lopez had three tackles and a pair of impressive run stuffs, despite playing only 11 snaps.
It’s fair to assume that the current defensive line rotation will continue. Williams will get his chances, as the Lions believe in his ability to develop into a legit run-clogging defensive tackle. But they also love Lopez’s ability to clog lanes and create pressure as a strong nose tackle with some dynamic ability.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.