The Detroit Lions seem to be a force to reckon with after a convincing 45-24 win against the Carolina Panthers. With a 4-1 record for the season, they show no signs of slowing down.
Despite missing key offensive players, the Lions were able to control the game. They dominated every aspect of the game, moving the ball with ease against the Panthers defense. The Lions defense was also strong, keeping everything in check and frustrating rookie quarterback Bryce Young. This was one of the most complete games the Lions have played in recent memory.
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Given their impressive performance, it is no surprise that the Lions scored well in most departments with PFF. Here are the best and worst PFF performers from the Lions’ victory over the Panthers.
Top Offensive Players
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff high-fives teammates during warmups before the game vs. the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
- QB Jared Goff: 93.9
- WR Josh Reynolds: 91.3
- RG Graham Glasgow: 91.1
- RB Craig Reynolds: 85.2
- RT Penei Sewell: 84.2
Goff has been incredibly impressive so far this season, proving doubters wrong with his outstanding performance on the field. In fact, he was the Lions’ highest-graded player this week, and he currently holds the title of PFF’s highest-graded QB in the NFL. With Amon-Ra St. Brown out, Reynolds stepped up to take on the WR1 position and did not disappoint, securing another touchdown for the team.
The Lions’ offensive line on the right side was also remarkable, with Glasgow and Sewell landing on the list for not surrendering any pressure or receiving any penalties between them. Reynolds may have come on late in the game, but he made the most of his time on the field, showing his skill in finding the gaps and accelerating through them, ultimately resulting in his first career touchdown.
Worst Offensive Players
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 08: Jameson Williams #9 of the Detroit Lions warms-up prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
- WR Jameson Williams: 47.4
- TE Brock Wright: 49.6
- LG Jonah Jackson: 53.1
- WR Antoine Green: 55.4
- WR Marvin Jones: 57.2
None of the scores were terrible, but compared to others, everyone else performed better this week. Williams’ return left more to be desired, especially with his dropped pass. However, he looked great in run blocking, springing big gains. Wright saw more time on the field due to injuries, and he performed well in pass blocking, but his run blocking wasn’t up to par, which drove down his grade. Jackson didn’t have the best showing, surrendering two pressures. Adding insult to injury, he left the game in a walking boot, which is something to keep an eye on. Jones and Green both saw more snaps this week, but they didn’t do anything spectacular, resulting in their average grades.
Top Defensive Players
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions reacts in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
- DE Aidan Hutchinson: 94.1
- DT Alim McNeill: 92.1
- LB Alex Anzalone: 80.0
- NT Isaiah Buggs: 77.0
- CB Jerry Jacobs: 74.0
It seems like we’ve said everything there is to say about Hutchinson at this point. He’s continuing to deliver outstanding performances, leading the league in the most pressures so far, and adding another sack and interception to his record this week. McNeill is right there with him, stepping up his game significantly in the last three weeks and earning the highest grade for a DT through PFF.
Anzalone is still the driving force behind the Lions’ defense, leading the team with ten tackles this week and preventing any damage from catches that came his way. Buggs took his earlier benching as a wake-up call and is now finding ways to generate pressure from the middle while also stopping any running games. Jacobs also had a great week, with an interception and only allowing 33 yards off of four catches.
Worst Defensive Players
Oct 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) catches a touchdown pass in front of Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
- LB Jack Campbell: 33.4
- DT Benito Jones: 41.3
- ED John Cominsky: 43.3
- CB Cameron Sutton: 50.3
- ED Charles Harris: 50.6
Campbell is still experiencing rookie pains as he adjusts to the NFL. Though he made a good showing in run defense, his coverage skills need significant improvement as he allowed a touchdown and incurred an untimely penalty. As a big player in the middle, Jones is relied on heavily to stop runs, but his run defense grade brought his overall grade down. Cominsky managed to apply pressure with three hurries against the Panthers, but like Jones, his run defense needs improvement.
Sutton was targeted six times and all of them were caught for a total of 66 yards, including a touchdown. He also missed a tackle. Harris had an average day, gaining three pressures which led to quarterback hurries.