The Detroit Lions defense has been playing a lot better recently for a number of reasons. One of those has been the more reliable tackling, especially in the passing game.
Coordinator Aaron Glenn’s unit has done a fine job of not allowing loads of yards after catches (YAC), quickly tackling receivers after the catch. That’s a major focus for Glenn as he readies his Lions defense for the Week 15 matchup with the New York Jets.
“The one thing we’ve got to do a really, really good job of is tackling,” Glenn told reporters on Thursday. “They do a good job of breaking tackles, so population to the ball is something that we preach all the time. We’ve got to do a really good job of that.”
It is especially true with rookie wideout Garrett Wilson, who has played very well for the Jets. Wilson is second in the NFL in forced missed tackles by a wide receiver with 18 on the season. Only Deebo Samuel has more.
“Wilson’s the real deal. He’s a really good player,” Glenn said of the No. 10 overall pick of the 2022 NFL draft. “The Jets did a good job of identifying that player, and I think on a number of levels, I would say that he’s a good player because he breaks tackles like one of the better receivers I’ve seen this year as far as breaking tackles. He’s tough, he’s taking some hits now, and he’ll get back up.”
Wilson isn’t the only YAC threat on the Jets offense. TE Tyler Conklin is one of the better runners after the catch at his position, and RBs Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight are capable as well. Quarterback Mike White thrives at quickly distributing the ball to his receivers and letting them do the work.
That means tackling is imperative. Fortunately, the Lions have been one of the best-tackling teams in the league over the last six weeks. Detroit has clawed up to No. 11 in Pro Football Focus tackling grades as a team and has notched four of its top five scores in the last five weeks.
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