One of the surprises for the Detroit Lions defense so far this year is how good linebacker Derrick Barnes has been as a run defender. Through two games this year, he’s only missed one tackle while playing 66 defensive snaps.
With 13 total tackles and a tackle for loss, he’s tied for the team lead in both of those categories. Coming out of Purdue in the 2021 NFL Draft, Barnes was a third-round pick and he’s currently the top ranked defender on the team. In week two, he earned an 85.4 PFF grade for the Lions defense.
Buy Lions TicketsBarnes being a consistent contributor in stopping the run has been a huge blessing for this Lions defense. He’s been a key part in helping the Lions only allowing 86.0 rushing yards per game (10th best in the NFL). Let’s dive into the tape and see some of the best run stops from Barnes so far this season.
Starting with one of the first tackles of the game from Barnes against Seattle, we’ll focus on the play above. Aligned in a ’10’, Barnes is playing as the WILL as the tight end (strong side) is to the left. Seattle comes out in 11 personnel (one tight end and one running back) while running the ball.
As Benito Jones (DT 94) gets double teamed, Barnes knows that Jones in good position to clog the A-gap so he trusts his technique and ability to scrape inside of the center. As the center attempts to get to the second level to block Barnes, you’ll notice how Barnes plays square to the line-of-scrimmage and he uses his inside hand/arm to dip and rip under the center.
Afterwards, he displays good lateral movement and speed to chase down the running back. This tackle was one of his seven tackles from Sunday against Seattle.
Moving to the next play, we’ll look at the play above where Barnes is aligned in a ’10’ again. The Lions have Jerry Jacobs (CB 23) down in the box so Barnes is shifted over a gap.
The Seahawks are in 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) and attempt a zone run that gets stopped immediately. Playing with patience, Barnes lets the interior defensive lineman in front of him make a decision on which gaps they’re going to shoot through. Then Barnes attacks downhill.
In the process, he fires into the play-side A-gap and meets the running back in the hole. This was another great tackle from him. Seeing this on a weekly basis so far has been so encouraging.
Lastly, I want to focus on a tackle from week one against the Chiefs that really stood out. Looking at the play above, you can see Barnes aligned in a ’10’ and as the pre-snap motion occurs from the receiver, he shifts into a ’20’ (head up on the guard).
While the Chiefs come out in 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end), you can see Barnes read the slot receiver (WR 4) as he sprints behind the offensive line on this split-zone run. Playing patient and square to the line-of-scrimmage, Barnes has his hands ready to attack. Most importantly, he’s able to get downhill and make the tackle on the ball carrier.
Prior to this season, there was some doubt on the type of player Derrick Barnes could be for the Lions defense. However, provided a spark to the second level of this defense. He’s on pace for 110.5 tackles this season and that’s with only playing 48% of the defensive snaps. As the Lions get ready to face a run first offense in the Atlanta Falcons in week 3, I’d expect Barnes to stay busy this weekend.
