Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield offered high praise for the Detroit Lions’ defense, focusing his compliments not on the star-studded defensive line, but on the play of the linebackers and veteran safety Kerby Joseph. His film-study-driven analysis highlighted two key aspects of the Lions’ back seven that have stood out to opposing offenses.
Kerby Joseph: A ‘True Ballhawk’
Mayfield was particularly effusive in his description of safety Kerby Joseph, calling him a “true ballhawk all around in tape.”
This is a fitting descriptor for Joseph, who has quickly established himself as a premier playmaker in the NFL secondary.
Since entering the league, Joseph has consistently ranked among the leaders in interceptions, using his impressive range and instinct to frustrate quarterbacks.
Mayfield’s recognition of Joseph’s impact is significant because a single, highly active safety forces an opposing quarterback to be constantly aware of where they are on the field.
The tape clearly shows Joseph’s presence, which can lead to hurried throws, check-downs, and lost opportunities for big plays downfield. Even with other injuries in the secondary, Joseph’s ability to create a turnover on any snap remains a top concern for any offense.
The Experienced Linebacker Core
The second point Mayfield stressed was the veteran presence and collective cohesion of the Lions’ linebacker group. He noted that the group “do such a good job making it hard on you” and that their experience playing together allows the defense to run a vast array of coverages.
This complimentary view underscores the importance of players like Alex Anzalone and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, along with high-pedigree talent like Jack Campbell. Anzalone, as the defensive signal-caller, is responsible for communicating coverage adjustments and identifying protections. The comfort and familiarity among this group allow the Lions’ defensive coordinator to dial up complex defensive looks without confusing the players on the field.
This versatility is a headache for quarterbacks. It means a defense can disguise its intentions from snap to snap—showing a blitz and dropping into coverage, or vice versa—making it difficult for the offense to settle into a rhythm or exploit a predictable look. For a quarterback like Mayfield, having veteran linebackers who can execute these various coverage shifts is what makes the Lions’ back seven challenging, even when their secondary is depleted by injury.
Ultimately, Mayfield’s commentary serves as a high-level scouting report, acknowledging the intangible qualities—chemistry, versatility, and playmaking instinct—that make the Lions’ defense more than the sum of its parts.
