Which Detroit Lions player will lead the team in interceptions this year?
After a complete revamp of their secondary in 2023, the Detroit Lions have once again made significant changes to their weakest unit, this time using free agency, trades and even doubling down in the NFL Draft to strengthen the position. Their pass defense in 2023 left a lot to be desired, but they did improve when it came to creating turnovers—interceptions especially.
Last year, the Lions intercepted the ball 16 times, an improvement over their 12 INTs in 2022. Some of those came in the most crucial games of the Lions’ season, like Derrick Barnes’ INT to send the Lions to the NFC Championship game, or Ifeatu Melifonwu sealing the game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16 to clinch an NFC North title. The Lions defense was opportunistic when it mattered most, and they have a great opportunity to improve further in 2024 with a much better roster.
Today’s Question of the Day is…
Who will lead the Lions in interceptions in 2024?
My answer: Kerby Joseph.
Can Joseph lead the team in interceptions three years in a row? I think there is a pretty good chance for it. With back-to-back four interception seasons, Joseph has been the best ball hawk the Lions have had under this regime. The next closest in that same span would be Aidan Hutchinson and Jerry Jacobs each with four picks over two seasons.
My dark horse this year would be Brian Branch. With his impressive instincts and high football IQ as a defender paired with the likelihood of him seeing more snaps at safety, I think there will be a lot more opportunities for him to get his hands on the football.
Your turn.