As he enters his third season, safety Kerby Joseph has become a veteran presence in the Detroit Lions’ secondary. During training camp, he has shown a strong embrace of his leadership role. He has set ambitious personal goals for the upcoming season, particularly aiming to lead the league in interceptions.
“Yeah, I definitely want to top the league in interceptions… That’s a major objective for me. I’m focused on improving my consistency and taking on a bigger leadership role within the defense.”
Joseph missed two games early last season due to a hip injury but returned to play for the remainder before undergoing offseason surgery. While his basic statistics mirrored those of his rookie year, his overall Pro Football Focus grade dropped, likely due to playing through injury.
During the offseason, Joseph focused on adding 15 pounds to his physique. Now stronger and completely recovered, and with improved talent alongside him in the secondary, he is poised for a potential breakout season this year.
During his press conference ahead of last Friday’s practice, head coach Dan Campbell was asked about his expectations for Kerby Joseph entering his third season.
“I think consistency. Consistency… going into year three,” Campbell said. “Every year, he’s grown a little bit, and I think this year, it’s about becoming a fixture in our defense and delivering consistent performances week in and week out.”
Campbell highlighted Joseph’s development as a reliable tackler and mentioned a strategic approach Joseph can use to create opportunities for himself.
“He’s improving in his understanding of the position and how he can influence the offense and the quarterback,” Campbell noted. “That evolution is encouraging because it shows he’s progressing to the next level in his development.”
Joseph initially earned a reputation around the league as a ballhawk after securing four interceptions during his rookie season. However, he faced a slower start last year, not recording his first interception until Week 8.
As he enters his third year, Joseph is now healthy and has gained valuable experience. He appears poised to elevate his game to new heights, and Dan Campbell is eager to witness this progression firsthand.
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