Justin RogersThe Detroit News
The 2023 season is in the books, and what a season it was for the Detroit Lions. Even though they fell short of their ultimate goal, a Super Bowl championship, they met and exceeded preseason expectations by claiming a division title for the first time since 1993, then winning not one, but two playoff games, before coughing up a 17-point lead in the NFC Championship.
As part of our standard season-ending coverage, we like to provide a final report card for the roster's key contributors. We'll start with the offense (and specialists) today and follow that up with marks for the defense on Friday.
Quarterback Jared Goff
It was another good season for Goff, comparable to some of the better years of his career. He completed a personal-best 67.3%, while his yardage, TDs and passer rating fell just short of his 2018 numbers. He proved resilient, both in games and after a rocky stretch of turnovers in the middle of the season, leading the Lions to 12 wins. Grade: B+
Running back David Montgomery
Montgomery was exactly what the Lions anticipated he’d be when they added him in free agency. In 14 games, he rushed for 1,000 yards for the second time in his career, while averaging a personal-best 4.6 yards per carry and finding the end zone 13 times. The pass-game production was more modest, both as a receiver and protector, but he was otherwise rock-solid as the team’s lead back. Grade: B+
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs
The dual-threat rookie out of Alabama was electric in his debut season, racking up 1,261 yards from scrimmage, 11 touchdowns and averaging 5.2 yards per carry. That’s because he finished second in the NFL with 10 carries of 20 or more yards. About the only knock was his hands. He dropped five passes as a receiver and put a couple of fumbles on the ground, as well as a third in the NFC Championship game. Grade: A-
Running back Craig Reynolds
Reynolds filled the third-back role well, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and scoring the first touchdown of his career. He played a lot on special teams, but had modest results as a return man, including a lost fumble. He also didn’t rank among the top five in tackles with those groups. Grade: C+
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown
A first-team All-Pro, St. Brown saw across-the-board improvement for the third straight year, finishing with 119 receptions for 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns. He went on to add at least seven catches and 77 yards in each of the team’s three playoff games. He’s a star. Grade: A
Wide receiver Josh Reynolds
Reynolds set a new bar for his production with Detroit, catching 40 balls for 608 yards and five touchdowns. The pending free agent has been a security blanket for his quarterback, steadily improving his route-running and run-blocking during his time with the Lions. Grade: B+
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond
Raymond’s receiving and punt-return production dipped in 2023, but the Lions continue to be thrilled with his contributions, inking him to a second contract extension this summer. He didn’t repeat as an All-Pro punt returner, in large part because he didn’t get the same caliber blocking. As an offensive weapon, he’s reliable every time he steps on the field, even if the opportunities declined. Grade: B
Wide receiver Jameson Williams
After a rocky training camp, a suspension for gambling and a slow reintegration into the lineup, Williams came on strong to end the season and carried his explosive, playmaking ability into the playoffs. He made his biggest strides by correcting his shaky hands, helping him gain the trust of Goff down the stretch. If Williams can similarly improve his deep-ball tracking in 2024, look out. Grade: B-
Tight end Sam LaPorta
LaPorta’s consistency as a first-year player at one of the most difficult positions to play, was eye-opening. He rewrote Detroit’s record books, setting new, single-season marks for catches, yards and touchdowns for a tight end. He also set the NFL rookie record for catches for his position. And while he’ll never be a stud blocker, the Iowa product proved surprisingly capable of executing his assignments during his debut campaign. Grade: A
Tight end Brock Wright
Wright unfortunately ended his season on injured reserve because of a broken forearm. Prior to that, he maintained a significant role in the offense, playing more than 400 snaps. More of a blocker than pass-catcher in 2023, Wright was below-average in his primary duties. Effort is never the issue, but execution was subpar. Grade: D+
Center Frank Ragnow
Tough as nails, Ragnow battled through a number of nagging injuries to deliver a vintage performance by his standards, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. Grade: A
Offensive tackle Penei Sewell
Like St. Brown, Sewell continued his steady development into one of the league’s best at his position, earning All-Pro honors for the first time. A ferocious run-blocker, he’s also stellar in pass protection, limiting rushers to just 20 QB pressures and a single sack. Grade: A
Offensive tackle Taylor Decker
Decker sacrificed comfort and some performance to play through a high ankle sprain in the first half of the season because the team needed him. He had a couple of rough days, namely against division opponents Green Bay and Chicago, but was his steady veteran self most of the year, allowing only 23 pressures on the season. Grade: B+
Guard Jonah Jackson
Multiple injuries, namely his ankle and wrist, hindered the pending free agent during his fourth season. The pass-protection effectiveness dipped, but not nearly as much as his typically stellar run-blocking. You can’t help but praise his effort to push through things, but the performance didn’t live up to the bar he’s set. Grade: C-
Guard Graham Glasgow
His versatility made him a highly valuable piece for the Lions this season, allowing him to start at each of the three interior spots. Occasionally overwhelmed by elite pass rushers, and allowing 30 pressures overall, Glasgow’s tenacity and ability to work at both the first and second levels was a critical component to the team’s run-game success. Grade: B+
Offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal
Not surprisingly, the jump from William & Mary to the NFL was a little overwhelming for the rookie lineman. He saw action as both a mid-game injury replacement and a starter (three games), logging more than 250 snaps, but struggled in those opportunities as both a run-blocker and pass-protector. Grade: D
Guard Kayode Awosika
Uneven in his playing time, he was still good enough to emerge as the trusted reserve when one of the team’s starting guards was banged up. An adequate to slightly above-average run blocker, Awosika needs to get better in pass protection if he is aiming to move into the starting lineup next season. Grade: C
Kicker Michael Badgley
Taking over Detroit’s kicking duties late in the season, Badgley made all four of his field goals in the final four games, but with a long of just 41. He wasn’t as sharp after touchdowns, missing two of his 15 extra-point tries. He showed in the playoffs he has adequate leg strength, nailing a 54-yarder, but his career effectiveness from long distance doesn’t inspire confidence, which could suggest why the Lions are continuously reluctant to use him from 50 and beyond. Grade: C+
Punter Jack Fox
Fox’s net punting numbers suffered because of field position, but what stands out is he nearly doubled how frequently he pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line compared to a year ago, all while keeping his touchback rate under 9%. In terms of what have you done for me lately, he was outstanding down the stretch and a true weapon in the postseason. Despite the sluggish stat line, he remains one of the league’s better punters, while making significant improvements as a holder. Grade: A-
jdrogers@detroitnews.com
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