D.J. Reed Struggles in Return as Lions Fall to Rams
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed has faced scrutiny following his performance since returning from a hamstring injury. In a challenging matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Reed earned the lowest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade among Lions players, registering a disappointing score of 29.5. This follows his own admission of dissatisfaction with his previous performance against the Dallas Cowboys, highlighting a concerning trend for the veteran defensive back.
Contract Expectations and Defensive Challenges
Reed, who signed a three-year, $48 million contract in the offseason after Carlton Davis moved to the New England Patriots, had high expectations placed upon him. However, his recent performances have left much to be desired. The Lions’ defense as a whole struggled, particularly in critical moments, notably on fourth downs, where they failed to get off the field effectively.
In stark contrast, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson showcased his skills, earning one of the highest PFF grades on the team. Hutchinson recorded the fifth interception of his career against Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford praised Hutchinson’s play, stating, “Aidan made a great play, looked like he was the primary receiver on the damn play. It was a hell of a play and then made me look silly in space.”
Game Flow and Key Moments
Despite the Lions holding a 10-point lead at one point, they ultimately succumbed to the Rams, losing 41-34. Stafford noted the importance of staying focused throughout the game, emphasizing the need to stack good plays regardless of the scoreboard. He remarked, “Guys just playing one snap at a time. I think that was the key and critical factor. You don’t look at the scoreboard. You just continue to try to stack good plays.”
As the game progressed, Detroit’s inability to capitalize on crucial opportunities became evident. Stafford acknowledged their offensive movement, stating, “We moved it good enough to put points on the board. I obviously didn’t connect on a couple there to get the touchdowns that we needed, but those fourth downs were big.”
Player Performance Breakdown
The Lions’ performance was a mixed bag, with notable highs and lows among the players. Here’s a detailed look at the highest and lowest PFF-graded players from the matchup:
Highest PFF-graded offensive players
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown — 90.1
WR Jameson Williams — 89.3
QB Jared Goff — 84.1
RB David Montgomery — 78.5
OL Penei Sewell — 76.1
Lowest PFF-graded offensive players
TE Giovanni Ricci — 35.5
OL Trystan Colon — 38.8
WR Isaac TeSlaa — 46.1
TE Anthony Firkser — 49.9
OL Graham Glasgow — 54.3
Highest PFF-graded defensive players
DE Aidan Hutchinson — 89.7
Safety Avonte Maddox — 83.2
LB Jack Campbell — 75.6
DL Roy Lopez — 65.2
LB Trevor Nowaske — 64.4
Lowest PFF-graded defensive players
CB D.J. Reed — 29.5
LB Derrick Barnes — 36.5
DL Marcus Davenport — 38.7
CB Rock Ya-Sin — 44.2
DL Alim McNeill — 45.2
As the Lions move forward, Reed’s performance will be closely monitored as he seeks to regain form and live up to the expectations that come with his significant contract. The coaching staff and fans alike will be looking for improvements as the season progresses.
