Talk: What has surprised us the most about the Detroit Lions in the first half of 2023?
Describe the most surprising developments in the first half of the 2023 Detroit Lions season.
The Detroit Lions’ 2023 season was unquestionably successful in the first half. With two games in hand over the rest of the NFC North, the Lions are tied for the second-best record in the NFL, following two 3-1 quartets.\
Before the season began, the majority of Lions supporters had high expectations for the squad. In fact, Erik Schlitt and I had projected back in May that they would conclude the week with a 6-2 record.
However, some of this team’s developments have probably shocked even the most upbeat of supporters.
.. At this stage of the season, few people predicted the Lions would have a top-10 defense (by DVOA). Fewer still anticipated that after eight games, Alex Anzalone would rank among the greatest players on that side of the ball.
The Question of the Day for today is thus:
James Harrison and Commissioner Roger Goodell fell out.
Which of the Detroit Lions’ 2023 season’s first halves surprises you the most?
In response, I would say that Sam LaPorta’s season is officially underway.
I don’t think I had anything like this in mind, even after a really good offseason that made me believe LaPorta may be more of an impact player than the average first-year tight end. If he doesn’t catch a ball for the remainder of the season, his 434 receiving yards already rank as the 54th-best season for a rookie tight end, which should give you an idea of how exceptional his rookie campaign is. Even one more yardage would propel him to 26th place in NFL history, one spot ahead of Charlie Sanders’ franchise record.
in 533 of 1968.
The fact remains, nevertheless, that LaPorta’s remarkable season is not fully explained by his reception. In the run game, he’s been a physically demanding, energetic, and successful blocker. Even though he was embarrassed a few times on Monday by Maxx Crosby (who wouldn’t be? ), his run blocking has been far more spectacular than that of some of his predecessors. Overall, it hasn’t been flawless. With at least 100 run-blocking snaps, his 63.6 PFF run-blocking grade places him seventh out of 38 tight ends.
