Fansided

NFL: Grading Each Team’s First Half

By Brad Rowland

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (right) celebrates with receiver Corey Fuller (10) after the NFL International Series game against the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium. The Lions defeated the Falcons 22-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (right) celebrates with receiver Corey Fuller (10) after the NFL International Series game against the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium. The Lions defeated the Falcons 22-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions

The Lions have a completely different identity than you may remember.

Detroit currently deploys the best defense in the entire NFL, as evidenced by their dominant second-half showing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, and there are no signs of that group slowing down. The Lions have been able to rush the passer consistently to take pressure off their somewhat questionable secondary, and that has been a recipe for success.

Offensively, it hasn’t all been roses for this group. The best wide receiver alive, Calvin Johnson, has been absent due to injury, and Matthew Stafford has struggled mightily at times. Still, the acquisition of Golden Tate has proved to be a tremendous one, and even with some uneven play (to put it nicely) from Reggie Bush, the heavy investment in Joique Bell has proved fruitful.

The Lions may be the quietest 6-2 team in the NFL, but as long as that defense plays this well, no one wants to play them.

Grade: B+

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