The Detroit Lions have been one of the best teams in the NFL this season, as Dan Campbell’s squad is 8-1 and have won their last seven games. Detroit picked up an improbable come-from-behind road victory over the Houston Texans in Week 10 and will head back home to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11. 

Jared Goff and the offense put together one of their worst performances of the season last week, committing five turnovers and scoring just 13 points in the first three quarters. Ben Johnson’s group came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 unanswered points, but the primary reason for the Lions pivotal victory in Week 10 was the play of the defense. 

Aaron Glenn’s unit completely shut down Houston’s explosive rushing attack, holding running back Joe Mixon to just 46 yards and 1.8 yards per carry. Additionally, Texans star quarterback C.J. Stroud completed just 57% of his passes and tossed two interceptions.

Detroit’s secondary made life uncomfortable for Stroud all night, and the longest-tenured player on the Lions’ backend, safety Kerby Joseph, is one of the key pieces of the group. Joseph was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has turned into a fantastic starter for Glenn’s defense.

Joseph is already having an All-Pro caliber campaign, but ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler still believes the rising star could breakout in the second half of the season.

“Watch for Lions safety Kerby Joseph to continue his ball-hawking ways. His ball production has been impressive since entering the league, with 14 career interceptions midway through his third NFL season. Detroit’s safety duo of Joseph and Brian Branch will have heavy influence on the NFC North.”

Joseph has been stellar in 2024, as he is tied for the league lead in interceptions with six and is allowing just a 31.6 passer rating when targeted and a 47% completion rate. 

The former Illinois standout is establishing himself as one of the best safeties in the NFL and is doing so at a perfect time. Joseph is set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026, and general manager Brad Holmes would be foolish to let the 23-year-old hit the market. Joseph will be a crucial piece to Detroit’s Super Bowl or bust season this year and is also a long-term building block for the future.