Detroit Lions' Defensive Grades: Jarrad Davis' Role Decreased
For the first time in the last 16 NFL seasons, a defense held wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to zero receiving yards.
The credit for that feat will go to the defense of the Detroit Lions.
For all the criticisms levied on Detroit's defense, one that significantly impacted the win-loss record was the lack of turnovers.
Entering its Week 3 matchup, Detroit was one of two teams that had yet to force a turnover.
Against Arizona, Detroit's secondary recorded three interceptions, and rookie Jeff Okudah even recorded his first NFL interception.
Here are the grades for the Lions' defense after the team's Week 3 contest with Arizona.
Defensive line: B
Detroit was simply not going to allow Kyler Murray to run all over its defense, like he was able to in his first two starts of 2020.
The rush defense was improved this week, as Arizona's rushing attack failed to make a significant impact all throughout the game.
Linebackers: A
High marks are given just simply because of the fact Detroit's coaching staff finally recognized Jarrad Davis needed to take a backseat in this week's scheme.
Jamie Collins was exceptional, and his interception put Detroit in a solid position to score.
Credit should be given to the rest of the linebackers on the roster, as well, for aiding in bottling up one of the best, up-and-coming mobile quarterbacks.
Seocondary: B-
Okudah struggled in his matchup with star wideout DeAndre Hopkins. But, he made up for it by securing his first career interception and returning it back into Arizona territory.
Safety Duron Harmon proved why he was acquired this past offseason, and his first interception of the season was Detroit's first forced turnover of 2020.
Special teams: A
Detroit's punter Jack Fox is the MVP of the team.
Patricia put some faith in his punter, and Fox delivered, pinning Arizona deep in its own territory in the fourth quarter.
And Matt Prater's 39-yard, game-winning field goal ended Detroit's 11-game losing streak.
More from SI All Lions:
Lions' Week 3 Offensive Grades
Jeff Okudah Admits Cardinals' 'High-Octane' Offensive Exhausted Him
Detroit Lions Rookie Snap Count Observations
Lions' Players on Defense Demanding Respect
Despite Calls for Demise, Lions' Show Resilience in Arizona
Stafford: 'That's the Situation I Want'
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