The Detroit Lions Special Teams Unit is One of the NFL’s Best. Why is ESPN’s Ranking So Low?
The Detroit Lions have quietly built one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, with a high-powered offense led by Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell, and an ascending defense under coordinator Aaron Glenn. But one of the most underrated aspects of this team has been its special teams unit, which has been among the league’s best over the past two seasons. Despite this, ESPN recently ranked the Lions’ special teams group near the bottom of the league, sparking confusion among fans and analysts who have seen this unit perform at an elite level. So why is ESPN’s ranking so low, and what makes Detroit’s special teams actually one of the best in the NFL?
Under head coach Dan Campbell and special teams coordinator Dave Fipp, the Lions have consistently fielded one of the most impactful third-phase units in football. In 2023, Detroit ranked **4th** in special teams DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average), a metric used by Football Outsiders to measure efficiency. They excelled in nearly every facet of the game:
– **Kicking Game:** Kicker Michael Badgley, while not always perfect, has been reliable in clutch moments. More importantly, the Lions’ kick coverage has been outstanding, limiting opponents to minimal returns.
– **Punting:** Jack Fox is one of the NFL’s best punters, boasting a strong leg and excellent placement. His ability to pin opponents deep has been a key weapon for Detroit.
– **Return Game:** The Lions have had explosive moments in the return game, with players like Kalif Raymond and Desmond King providing big plays when needed.
– **Coverage Units:** Detroit’s kick and punt coverage has been disciplined and aggressive, rarely allowing big returns.
Beyond statistics, the Lions’ special teams have made game-changing plays. In 2023, they blocked multiple kicks, including a crucial field goal attempt against the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. These are the kinds of plays that swing games—yet somehow, ESPN’s ranking doesn’t reflect their impact.
ESPN’s recent special teams rankings placed the Lions near the bottom of the league, which immediately raised eyebrows. The exact reasoning behind the ranking isn’t entirely clear, but several factors could explain the disconnect:
1. **Overemphasis on Field Goals:** Some ranking systems weigh field goal percentage heavily, which can skew perceptions. While Badgley isn’t Justin Tucker, he hasn’t been a liability, and the Lions’ overall special teams success goes far beyond just kicking.
2. **Lack of Highlight Plays:** If a ranking system prioritizes splashy return touchdowns over consistent coverage and field position battles, the Lions might not stand out. But winning the hidden yardage battle is often more important than occasional big returns.
3. **Small Sample Size Variance:** Special teams performance can fluctuate week to week. If ESPN’s model weighed early-season struggles more heavily, it might not account for Detroit’s late-season dominance.
4. **Underrating Punting & Coverage:** Jack Fox’s elite punting and Detroit’s stifling coverage units don’t always show up in traditional stats but are critical to winning games. If a ranking system undervalues net punting average or opponent starting field position, it could explain the discrepancy.
The proof of Detroit’s special teams excellence isn’t just in advanced metrics—it’s in how they’ve impacted wins and losses. Consider:
-Playoff Performance:** Against the Rams, the Lions’ special teams blocked a field goal, recovered a surprise onside kick, and consistently won the field position battle. Those plays were pivotal in a tight playoff victory.
– Consistency Under Fipp:** Since Dave Fipp took over as special teams coordinator in 2021, Detroit has consistently ranked near the top of the league in key special teams categories.
– Adaptability:** The Lions have overcome injuries at kicker and still maintained strong special teams play, a testament to coaching and depth.
If ESPN’s ranking is based on outdated or incomplete metrics, it’s doing a disservice to one of the most underrated units in football. The Lions don’t just have a “good” special teams group—they have a **championship-caliber** one.
While rankings are subjective, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that the Detroit Lions have one of the NFL’s best special teams units. Whether it’s DVOA, game-changing plays, or overall consistency, this group has proven its worth. ESPN’s low ranking seems to ignore the broader context of what makes special teams successful, favoring flash over substance.
For Lions fans and those who have watched this team closely, the truth is clear: Detroit’s special teams are a strength, not a weakness. If the Lions make another deep playoff run in 2024, don’t be surprised if their third phase is a major reason why—regardless of what the rankings say.
