In the NFL, many players contribute in big ways but don’t get much recognition. The Detroit Lions had several such players in the 2022 season. This article is meant to highlight an individual accomplishment or statistic of five lesser-known Lions who had noteworthy accomplishments fly under the radar.
Jerry Jacobs (CB)
In the 2022 season, Jacobs was one-of-five NFL cornerbacks to total at least four tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and one interception. He also registered 41 total tackles (36 solo). Jacobs is only the third Lions corner to have such a season since at least 1999.
Don’t sleep on Jerry Jacobs 🔐 @_luhjerry | #OnePride pic.twitter.com/pzSG3cyMKh
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) May 21, 2023
Shane Zylstra (TE)
Zylstra became only the second tight end in franchise history to produce a three-touchdown game in Week 16 at Carolina (12/24/22), joining Joseph Fauria, who did so on Oct. 13, 2013 at Cleveland.
.@Lions QB @JaredGoff16 completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Shane Zylstra.
This marks the 150th TD pass of Goff's career.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/DCSzmMzXIu
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) December 24, 2022
Kalif Raymond (WR)
Raymond appeared in 17 games (seven starts) for the Lions in 2022, recording 47 receptions for a career-high 616 yards (13.1 avg.). He also recorded a career-high 264 punt return yards, the most a Lions player has recorded since Jamal Agnew in 2017 (447).
Kalif Raymond is the Iron Man of this Detroit Lions team and Dan Campbell has HIGH praise for him! 🔥 #OnePride pic.twitter.com/kzkhn5OrQP
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) June 1, 2023
John Cominsky (DL)
Cominsky finished the 2022 season registering 30 total tackles (18 solo), 12 quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, three pass defenses and one forced fumble. The previously mentioned statistics are all career-highs for Cominsky.
"He’s high effort, he’s a smart football player, he’s tough, he’s physical." -Dan Campbell on John Cominsky pic.twitter.com/dZbUc1BGtY
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 22, 2022
Taylor Decker (T)
This one is fun. Decker the only offensive lineman in franchise history to produce multiple touchdown receptions, doing so at Seattle (1/2/22) and vs. the L.A. Rams (12/2/18).
.@__taylordecker is the first OL in #Lions history with multiple TD catches in a career.
(via @LionsPR) pic.twitter.com/PCeZoLnYB7
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 2, 2022
These five players had an impact on the Detroit Lions’ 2022 season. Even though they didn’t always make the headlines, their performances were crucial for the team. Their success reminds us that every player, not just the stars, can make a significant difference in the NFL.
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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21
Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com
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Photo Credit: © Detroit Free Press
