Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Miles Killebrew Have Been Special Teams Standouts

Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Miles Killebrew are making their impact felt on special teams

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions currently have two defensive players that are excelling on special teams. 

Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and safety/linebacker Miles Killebrew are both among the NFL leaders in special teams tackles this year.

Killebrew leads the league with 10 tackles, while Reeves-Maybin is tied for second with nine.

Despite many mistakes committed on special teams this season, the coverage has been solid overall in large part due to Killebrew and Reeves-Maybin.

When defending punt returns, the Lions have allowed a total of 12 returns for a measly 41 yards -- an average of 3.4 yards per punt. 

That average is the third-lowest mark in the NFL. 

The longest punt return the Lions have allowed is 16 yards.

In terms of kickoffs, 34 of Sam Martin’s 47 kickoffs have resulted in a return attempt. No other team in the league has experienced more.

That may sound concerning, but it actually is by design. 

Martin’s 62.4 yards per kickoff average ranks second to last. 

However, it dares returners to take the ball out of the end zone or forces the returner to run due to the ball landing short of the goal line.

If guys like Killebrew and Reeves-Maybin continue to make stops, the plan will continue to work great.

Of the 91 drives the Lions' defense has faced in 2019, the average starting field position for opponents has been at the 24.7-yard line -- second-best in the NFL.

Unfortunately, the advantageous field position hasn’t mattered all that much for the Lions' 31st-ranked defense.

It’s not often that special teams standouts get noticed. 

But at this rate, Killebrew or Reeves-Maybin may end up in the Pro Bowl for their prowess on special teams.

More: Midseason Grades for Lions' Defense