The Detroit Lions move to add Devon Kennard this offseason has paid off instantly for the team. Through the first four games of the year, Kennard has been one of the bright spots in terms of rushing the passer on a defense which has been able to get the job done in that respect. In fact, Kennard has already made Lions history with his ability to be prolific with the pass rush. After Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys which resulted in one sack, Kennard took over the team lead and made some franchise history in the process.
This stat was pointed out courtesy of the Lions themselves, who revealed that Kennard has been quite historical already in terms of his start to the season in Detroit with the sack. In fact, there’s been nobody better to note through the first four games at his position in terms of rushing the passer.
“LB Devon Kennard has the most sacks by a Lions LB through the first 4 games of a single season in team history. His four sacks are tied for second among all NFL LBs,” the Lions account tweeted.
When he signed this offseason, there was hope Kennard could become a true difference maker for the Lions, and given his explosive start, that’s already been the case. For him to make Lions history at linebacker, typically one of the more loaded positions on the team historically, is huge for him.
The Lions got a player in Kennard who has been good as a rush linebacker and also has some coverage tools, which has been a nice package for the team given their need at linebacker. He’s a guy that can blossom under Matt Patricia’s tutelage, given the coach has done the same thing for many linebackers in his career. His signing meant he was a lock to start for the Lions this fall, and since, it’s looked like a good move to add a player that has taken one of the bigger jumps on the squad so far with some better coaching and a bigger chance to flourish in a new role.
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The most exciting part for Kennard is getting to star on a defense that he’s admired from afar for years, which is something he hinted at this week when speaking with the media. Arguably, he said, that was one of the biggest reasons the Lions appealed to him. Now that he’s a part of it, the situation is kind of like a dream come true.
“Great opportunity, great situation. I’ve watched Matty P’s defense for a long time, and it’s one that looks like a lot of fun on film. Now I’m starting to learn it. It’s not disappointing so far, so I think it was a great opportunity for me,” he admitted this offseason when speaking with reporters.
That comfort and fit has been a major reason that Kennard has already been able to break loose and do some big damage on the field this season. And given how good he’s been already, it will only be more fun to see where he’s able to take it the rest of the way leading a revved-up Lions pass rush so far in 2018.
