Kerby Joseph has emerged as a much-needed bright spot in the Detroit Lions secondary, and he seems to want to be a tone-setter.
The Detroit Lions secondary, due to a mix of injuries and ineptitude, is having a rough run this season. Since safety Tracy Walker suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 3, rookie Kerby Joseph has stepped into a starting role.
Joseph was a raw prospect when the Lions drafted him in the third round this year, with only one full college season as a defensive back. But he’s coming into his own lately. He made a great play to force a fumble against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7, then he forced another fumble against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8.
Kerby Joseph is a clear bright spot in the Lions secondary
After last Sunday’s game, Joseph spoke about wanting to send a message to opponents (h/t to Heavy.com).
If you’re coming in my areas, you’re going to pay the price. If you come into my area every time, you know (I watched) them doing (that in) our film. I recognized it and just wanted to go make a play,”
You want the ball, you got a pay a price, you feel me? Ain’t nothing free out here, especially if you come to me. Just gotta keep making plays
The ineptitude around him against the Dolphins in Week 8 makes it easy to overlook anything good Joseph did. But the Lions rookie safety did get noticed on a wider scale.
In his “OOOWEEEE!” segment this week, highlighting defensive plays from the previous week’s slate that got his attention, Jason McCourty of NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” found Joseph.
Kerby Joseph, the draft pick out of Illinois, just sawing Noah Brown in half. This play was from Week 7, a week ago. He’s forcing the fumbles, getting it done. Now let’s move forward. Joseph, the starter getting his first start (Week 8). This is how he comes out (flipping). How does he follow up an entrance like this and a forced fumble in Week 7? Joseph’s out here laying the wood, knocking guys out. I love it. Rookie out of Illinois, fourth career start, forcing fumbles in back to back weeks,”
It’s only been four games, but Joseph is gaining valuable experience and he’s starting to assert himself as a potential significant future piece of the Lions’ secondary. With few bright spots to see during a season that isn’t lined up to yield a lot of wins, again, the rookie safety is definitely one to watch.