By now, most fans around the country know all about the high-powered Detroit Lions offense. Coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the most recognizable assistant coaches for his creativity and Detroit’s prodigious production. It’s the No. 1 scoring offense in the league.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is earning a lot more praise lately, too. His defense has markedly improved across the board, even with a barrage of injuries to pass rushers. Detroit’s scoring defense ranks 8th, and no team is better at defending third downs than Glenn’s Lions.
That helps set the table for the Lions special teams. The performance of the punt and kick units merits considerably more attention for Detroit’s other coordinator, special teams guru Dave Fipp.
Like his more celebrated coaching mates in Detroit, Fipp has crafted a fantastic unit. After a Week 8 performance that saw Kalif Raymond earn NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Khalil Dorsey run back a kickoff for 70 yards, and punter Jack Fox had one of the best punting days in NFL history, it’s time to show Fipp a little love.
As noted by The 33rd Team, Fipp’s special teams are having an amazing season. Detroit ranks first for any team in any season since 2000 in net punting yards and yards per kickoff return. Factor in a perfect start on field goals by kicker Jake Bates and a clean protection for the specialists, and these Lions do indeed have very special special teams in 2024.
The Lions Special Teams is insane 🔥
Categories Detroit ranks 1st in for any team in any season since 2000 🥇
FGM% (100%)
Net Yards per Punt (47.3)
Yards per Kickoff Return (35.5)
0 Allowed Punt or FG Blocks pic.twitter.com/vYOPQAM594— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 30, 2024
It’s a testament to the team’s depth, Fipp’s teaching and coaching prowess, and a team-wide emphasis on winning with all three units.