The Detroit Lions' defense has been much-improved this season, and in the secondary in particular, where several players have shined. One of those players is no doubt safety Kerby Joseph, who is on the verge of superstardom in his third campaign.
Joseph currently has elite numbers in coverage, posting a completion rate allowed of 45.8% and passer rating allowed of just 26.0, both career-highs. His 90.8 Pro Football Focus coverage grade is also a personal best, and it ranks No. 1 in the NFL among both cornerbacks and safeties.
As if all that wasn't enough, Joseph has been an interception machine, and many of those picks have come in key moments of games. The former third-round pick has six in nine games, which is two more than any season of his career. Furthermore, Joseph has totaled eight passes defensed, just three fewer than his career-high.
In the midst of a sensational season, NFL Network's Kevin Patra believes Joseph is going to earn his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024.
"You could toss several Lions secondary players on this list, but Joseph's consistent play, coupled with an uncanny Johnny-on-the-spot ability, takes the cake," Patra wrote. "The safety's six interceptions are tied for the NFL lead, most of which have come in massive spots or changed games. It's not just those moments when Joseph has shined. His -39.1 target EPA is by far the lowest among all safeties (Xavier McKinney is next at -20.8). He's allowed a 20.2 quarterback rating as the nearest defender, the lowest among all DBs, and his 45 percent completion rate allowed is the third-lowest (minimum 200 coverage snaps). The former third-round pick has grown into the glue of Aaron Glenn's secondary and enables the rest of the operation to play physical up front."
Later is his write-up, Patra adds that fellow safety Brian Branch should also be considered, and he'd be right. Branch has been an absolute menace this season. Along with his 50 tackles that include three for loss, Branch has a whopping 13 passes defensed, which is the second-most in the NFL.
With Branch and Joseph, the Lions have the best safety duo in the NFL. It wouldn't be at all surprising to see both Detroit defenders earn Pro Bowl nods when it's all said and done.
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