Joseph: Monday Night Win 'The Standard' for Lions' Defense

Joseph recorded his first interception of the season Monday.

Kerby Joseph changed the momentum of Monday night's win for the Detroit Lions. 

After an untimely fumble gave the Las Vegas Raiders solid field position, Detroit's talented safety snagged a pass from Jimmy Garoppolo to regain possession for his team. 

In just one play, he flipped the script for the defense. It was the start of a largely dominant performance for the unit, which resulted in a 26-14 win. The showing is the latest in a first half that has been full of positive growth for the defense.

"I don't feel like it's a vibe, I feel like it's the standard. We done showed the world what we're capable of, so it's just expectations for us," Joseph explained to All Lions. "We don't have time to chill, we've got to go now, ramp it up. It's about that time where it's crunch time, you know what I mean? We've just gotta put everything together and come together as one as we did today." 

The win was a strong bounce back after the defense was shellacked for 38 points against Baltimore. Joseph and the rest of the defense was motivated to get their swagger back. 

"It's everything, just to see what the offense and defensive players can do. Last week was not us. This week is us and how we perform. We play with each other and believe in each other, compliment each other on both sides of the ball." 

The interception was Joseph's first of the season. After a rookie campaign that saw him grab four picks, the slow start in that category was taxing.

Yet, he made the big play for the defense at an opportune time. That takeaway set the stage for his showing on Monday night. 

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph :: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

"It was everything. Every time I touch the ball, I feel like it's a million dollars in my pocket," Joseph explained. "The football is everything, so it means everything to me to get it. It ain't a good game for me unless I get a football or be around the football. That means everything to me."

The environment at Ford Field was certainly eye-opening, especially for the young members of the roster who were playing their first night game within the home confines. 

"I ain't going to lie, that was lit. I ain't never seen no vibe like that," Joseph said. "That was everything. When the lights came on, I ain't ever seen nothing like that. Shoutout to the fans for making it alive and a full experience for us on the field. That was everything. I love ya'll. One Pride, ya'll everything. Appreciate ya'll." 

With a 6-2 record going into the bye week, Detroit has big goals for the remainder of their season. As with the passionate fans, who chanted "Super Bowl" following the win, the players have illustrious hopes for the end of the 2023 campaign. 

"The sky is definitely the limit, we ain't gonna stop when we get there, we going all the way to the top," Joseph stated. "Gotta see the Super Bowl, gotta see the playoffs, gotta see everything through. We're gonna take it one game at a time, so onto L.A."