Despite their brutal loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night, the Detroit Lions’ defense continues to play at an elite level. Their defense allowed just 272 total yards in the loss, which marked the fourth consecutive game they’ve held opposing offenses to under 300 total yards.
One of the reasons for their dominance this season is due to the impressive play of defensive tackle Roy Lopez, who made his presence felt against the Eagles, recording a half-sack. His 70.2 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 27th out of 124 interior defenders, while his 70.4 run grade ranks 18th.
Lopez’s contributions against the run have been vital to their success on defense, as they rank eighth in rushing yards allowed (99.7).
Roy Lopez Has Been Lions’ Best Interior Defender This Season
Hardly anyone projected Lopez to be one of Detroit’s best defenders when he signed a one-year, $4.65 million contract during the offseason. With the Lions crowded at the defensive line, Lopez was expected to have a minimal role as a backup to interior defenders D.J. Reader and Tyleik Williams and fill in for Alim McNeill as he recovered from a torn ACL.
However, Lopez quickly showed to be more than just a depth signing, as he’s proven to be a crucial part of the Lions’ success in the run game. When Lopez is on the field, the Lions allow just 2.9 yards per carry, whereas they allow a whopping 4.9 yards per carry without him, per Pride of Detroit’s Al Karsten.
Lopez’s impact in the run game has been instrumental to the team’s 6-4 record, despite playing a reduced role. Through 10 games, he leads Lions’ interior defenders in total tackles (19), while also recording two tackles for loss, one sack, and five hurries. Although he’s primarily used as a run defender and not as productive against the pass as the other three, Lopez has proven to be the team’s best interior defender this season.
Compared to the others, Lopez has been the most impactful and consistent player. Reader, although a reliable player, has displayed a decline in his overall performance this season, managing just 15 total tackles and a 58-run grade. Williams has seen his rookie season plagued by up-and-down performances. As a result, he has received inconsistent playing time.
While he’s displayed upside as a pass rusher, he’s been horrendous against the run. Although McNeill is slowly working his way back from injury, he’s yet to have a standout game. With Lopez continuing his impressive play, while Reader has been underwhelming as of late, it may be in the Lions’ best interest to give him Reader's snaps.
Not only will this move boost Detroit’s play for its upcoming matchups against the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, but it could potentially help the Lions in the offseason. Since Lopez will be a free agent after the 2025 campaign, he'll likely be looking for a starting job and a pay raise. By giving him the starting nod, it'll display his value to the team.
This could help influence Lopez to re-sign with the team in the offseason, as the defender will likely have numerous suitors. Regardless, Lopez has been a homerun signing by general manager Brad Holmes, and hopefully, his performance can help translate to more wins.