2 Lions players make Pro Football Focus’s ‘Team of the Week’

The Lions’ first preseason game saw some breakout performances from names who really impressed in training camp. Kenny Golladay caught three passes, two of which were incredible grabs for touchdowns, while Jarrad Davis flashed his ability to cover receivers downfield, and also showed an aptitude for filling gaps.

While those player’s efforts have been praised by plenty of media outlets, a couple of other Lions players caught the attention of Pro Football Focus.

Both Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Kasey Redfern were selections for Pro Football Focus’s “Team of the Week” for Week 1 of the 2017 preseason.

Reeves-Maybin made the list as one of two off-the-ball linebackers selected. Here is PFF’s analysis of his performance on Sunday against the Colts:

Reeves-Maybin excelled in coverage, allowing just 0.42 yards per snap in coverage, and averaging a whole 13.0 snaps in coverage, per target and reception. On his 26 cover snaps, he gave up just two receptions for 11 yards while making two defensive stops. His coverage grade of 87.5 was the best of all linebackers this week.

For a linebacker corps that couldn’t cover opposing receivers or tight ends with a throw blanket after a Thanksgiving dinner a year ago, the team has to be happy with what Davis and Reeves-Maybin put together on Sunday.

Redfern was a player both Chris Lemieux and Jeremy Reisman praised on this week’s edition of the PODcast. PFF covered the typical statistics, which by any measure should have earned him a spot on this team, but also made note of his hang time:

Redfern had a long punt of 61, and an average of 48.4 on eight punts, five of which were fair caught. His five punts inside the 20 were most for the week. He hit a max of 5.14 seconds hang time, which was the third-best mark on a punt this week.

For as much as Lions GM Bob Quinn is all about the special teams, not even he could find it in himself to keep two punters on the Lions’ 53-man roster. If Roberto Aguayo is getting a second chance, Redfern’s performance in Week 1 should earn him serious consideration for a spot on some team’s roster come September.