What’s the biggest surprise from the Detroit Lions’ first half of 2024?

We're halfway through the 2024 NFL season, and I don't think you could have asked for a better start from the Detroit Lions . At 7-1, the Lions have the best record in not just the division, but the entire NFC. They are also No. 1 in overall DVOA and have the highest point differential in the NFL at +110.

It doesn't come as a surprise that the Lions are playing well following a deep playoff run and a successful offseason, but seven wins in eight games with a much tougher schedule is better than many anticipated.

The defense has significantly improved, perhaps more so than anyone could have anticipated. Right now, they have the fourth-ranked defense in the NFL by DVOA and are fifth in opponent points per game (18.5).

Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch look like the best two safeties in the NFL and have combined for 10 interceptions. Jack Campbell is quietly the Lions' best linebacker and playing like one of the top LBs in the league right now. And against all odds, Levi Onwuzurike has been one of the most reliable and productive edge rushers on the defensive line.

Offensively, the Lions haven't skipped a beat and perhaps look better than ever before. They haven't been afraid to run up the score and embarrass opponents and are averaging 39.2 points per game in their last five games.

Today's Question of the Day is...

What's the biggest surprise from the Detroit Lions' first half of 2024? My answer: Kerby Joseph rising to elite safety status.

In 2022, PFF had Joseph ranked 45th out of 68 qualifying safeties, and in 2023, Joseph was ranked 56th out of 61. This year, Joseph is the top-graded safety in the NFL, just barely above his teammate, Brian Branch.

Joseph has been an important piece to the Lions' defense the past couple of years, and has led the team in interceptions both years, but this year, he seems to have reached another level. He's looked better as a run defender, he's tackling much better, and he already has six interceptions in just eight games (tied for most in the NFL). I expected Joseph to be good, especially with some offseason upgrades to the defensive line and secondary. However, I did not expect him to be this good.