TWENTYMAN: Five Noteworthy Statistics After the Lions’ Triumph in Week 18
As the Detroit Lions wrapped up their 2023 regular season with a memorable victory in Week 18, the team proved they are more than just an up-and-coming force in the NFL. With the win, the Lions not only secured a strong finish to the season but also set the stage for what promises to be a bright future in Detroit. While the team’s overall performance was inspiring, several noteworthy statistics emerged from the game that underlined the Lions’ growth, resilience, and potential moving forward. Let’s dive into five of the most important statistics that came out of the Lions’ triumph in Week 18.
1. Jared Goff’s Stellar Passing Performance: 5,038 Passing Yards and 29 Touchdowns
One of the most remarkable statistics of Week 18 was the performance of quarterback Jared Goff, who continued to show why he’s the centerpiece of the Lions’ offense. With a 5,038-yard passing season and 29 touchdowns, Goff became just the second quarterback in franchise history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a single season. The only other quarterback to do so? The legendary Matthew Stafford, who accomplished the feat in 2011.
Goff’s strong finish to the season was a testament to his ability to execute head coach Dan Campbell’s offensive strategy. His performance in Week 18 was pivotal in securing the victory, as he consistently delivered precise throws that helped the Lions control the game. He threw for over 250 yards and added a touchdown, but it was his ability to sustain drives, avoid costly turnovers, and find rhythm in critical moments that truly stood out.
What made Goff’s achievement even more remarkable was his steady improvement throughout the season. After a slow start to his career with the Lions in 2021, Goff has emerged as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the NFC. His success is a testament to the coaching staff’s development of him as a leader, as well as the offense’s evolving chemistry.
2. Aidan Hutchinson’s Defensive Dominance: 9.5 Sacks on the Season
In a season where the Detroit defense underwent significant improvement, no player embodied the defense’s resurgence quite like rookie edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft had an exceptional 2023 campaign, finishing with 9.5 sacks. This included a standout performance in Week 18, where Hutchinson was a force off the edge, consistently pressuring the quarterback and wreaking havoc in the backfield.
Hutchinson’s total of 9.5 sacks in his second season not only shows his development as a pass rusher but also positions him as one of the league’s top young defenders. He finished the season just shy of double-digit sacks, but his consistent pressure was key in forcing opposing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations and allowing his teammates to capitalize on the chaos.
What’s also worth noting is that Hutchinson didn’t just focus on the pass rush; he was an all-around defensive player. He made plays in both the run and pass game, and his ability to change the course of a game with his disruptive nature was evident from Week 1 to Week 18. Hutchinson’s presence has become a critical element of the Lions’ defensive identity, and his continued development will be a key factor for the team in the seasons to come.
3. Lions’ Offensive Efficiency: 25.5 Points Per Game
While much has been made of the Lions’ high-powered offense throughout the season, Week 18 was a microcosm of just how efficient the unit has become. The Lions finished the regular season averaging 25.5 points per game, marking their highest offensive output in years. The 2023 season featured one of the most balanced and explosive offenses in the NFL, a dramatic turnaround from seasons past.
In Week 18, the Lions were once again able to demonstrate their scoring ability, posting multiple touchdowns and taking advantage of every opportunity presented to them. The offense’s ability to sustain long drives and score consistently was a result of the impressive development of not only Jared Goff but also key players like running back Jamaal Williams, rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams, and tight end Brock Wright.
Head coach Dan Campbell’s emphasis on controlling the clock, mixing up the run and pass, and avoiding turnovers has clearly paid off. The team’s offensive line, often considered one of the best in the league, provided Goff with the time he needed to survey the field and make smart decisions.
Moreover, the Lions’ ability to convert on third downs (the team finished with a 45.3% third-down conversion rate) and their red-zone efficiency (scoring touchdowns on 64.5% of trips inside the 20-yard line) were pivotal in their ability to outscore their opponents and keep their defense off the field.
4. Lions’ Red-Zone Defense: 52.9% Opponent TD Conversion Rate
While the Lions’ offense was putting up impressive numbers in 2023, the defense also made significant strides in Week 18 and beyond. One of the key areas where the defense showed marked improvement was in the red zone. Over the course of the season, the Lions’ defense allowed opponents to score touchdowns on only 52.9% of their trips inside the 20-yard line, one of the best marks in the league.
The red-zone defense was especially crucial in Week 18, as the Lions were able to make key stops and prevent their opponent from capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The defense showed resilience in the face of adversity, forcing opponents to settle for field goals or turn the ball over on downs.
This red-zone efficiency underscores a larger trend in the Lions’ defense: a renewed focus on situational football. While the defense struggled early in the season, they improved steadily throughout the year, especially in high-leverage moments like red-zone opportunities. Linebackers such as Alex Anzalone and defensive backs like Jerry Jacobs played pivotal roles in stifling opposing offenses inside the 20-yard line, often making big plays when it mattered most.
5. Jamaal Williams’ Record-Breaking Touchdowns: 17 Rushing TDs on the Season
A standout statistic that came out of Week 18 was Jamaal Williams’ remarkable 17 rushing touchdowns, which set a new single-season record for the Lions. The veteran running back’s performance throughout the season was a major factor in Detroit’s offensive success. His physical running style and ability to punch it in from short-yardage situations made him a reliable weapon in the red zone and a fan favorite in Detroit.
In Week 18, Williams added another rushing touchdown to his season tally, helping to seal the victory for the Lions. His consistency in finding the end zone was impressive, and it’s clear that he played a major role in Detroit’s high-powered offense. His performance also solidified his place in franchise history, further cementing his legacy as one of the most effective goal-line runners the Lions have ever had.
Williams’ success can be attributed to his relentless work ethic, his connection with the offensive line, and his innate ability to power through defenders when it matters most. His 17 touchdowns not only led the NFL but also helped elevate the entire offense’s ability to score efficiently. The Lions’ combination of a solid passing attack and a powerful running game makes them a dangerous offensive unit that can beat teams in multiple ways.
