The Detroit Lions secondary is having a tremendous season in 2024, and it’s getting the recognition it deserves. After a tough 2023, the defensive backs have played a pivotal role in the Lions’ rise to one of the NFL’s top teams. Their impact is now being celebrated off the field, with their faces featured on a massive banner on Ford Field’s north side.
By Week 9, Detroit’s secondary has already recorded 11 interceptions, on pace to far exceed last year’s total of 16. This improvement has been crucial to the Lions’ defensive success.
Kerby Joseph has been a standout, recently making history as the first Lions player since 1979 to record a pick-six at Lambeau Field against the Packers. With six interceptions and several key deflections, Joseph has become one of the league’s top safeties.
Brian Branch, in his second season, has excelled since moving to safety. Although Branch had an eventful moment last week, when he was ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay’s Bo Melton, it hasn’t overshadowed his impressive play. The hit, initially flagged for unnecessary roughness, led to an ejection after review by the league. Branch’s fiery reaction — giving the “double bird” to Packers fans — quickly became a fan (and teammate) favorite.
On the field, Branch has earned elite grades from Pro Football Focus (93.3 in Week 6 vs. Dallas, 92.7 in Week 7 vs. Minnesota), totaling eight tackles and three takeaways, including two interceptions, in those games.
Terrion Arnold, the rookie cornerback, has also impressed. After some early struggles with penalties, Arnold has cleaned up his game, showing improved coverage and discipline.
If that wasn’t enough, Emmanuel Moseley and Ifeatu Melifonwu are set to return soon from injured reserve, adding even more depth to a secondary that’s already one of the most dangerous in the league.