Sione Vaki

RB · Detroit Lions vs New York Jets · 36 graded snaps

Solid

Vaki was highly efficient as a physical downhill runner and kick return blocker, though pass protection issues kept his mark in the solid tier.

Special teams6615Pass block5510Rushing819Passing601Receiving741

The full breakdown

Vaki drove an 81 rushing facet by consistently gaining positive yardage through contact, demonstrated on a 7-yard rush at Q2 12:56 and a gritty 3rd-and-3 conversion up the middle at Q2 02:55. He added value on special teams with key lead blocks on kickoff returns and flashed as a receiver with an 11-yard catch at Q4 11:17. However, his day was dragged down by a 55 pass blocking facet, notably getting knocked backward into Jared Goff against a blitz at Q3 03:34.

Strengths

Decisive downhill running
Short-yardage contact balance
Special teams lead blocking

Weaknesses

Blitz pickup anchor

Plays that moved the grade

+1.5Q4 11:17, 1st & 10Executed a smooth check-release over the middle and caught a pass in stride for an 11-yard gain.
+1Q2 02:55, 3rd & 3Plowed into the A-gap with low pad level, absorbing contact to convert on 3rd down with a 4-yard run.
-1Q3 03:34, 2nd & 10Was pushed directly backward into the quarterback by an interior blitzer in pass protection.

Every graded snap · 9 wins or losses, 27 routine

+1Q2 12:56 · 1 & 10 · RushingShows quick burst pressing the line of scrimmage, finding the seam off left tackle, and driving forward through contact for a 7-yard gain.
+1Q2 05:33 · Special teamsLeads up into the alley ahead of Saylors, picking up an oncoming coverage player to spring Saylors into the second level.
+1Q2 04:49 · 2 & 2 · RushingDecisive downhill read off the LT hip, lowers shoulder into contact to secure the 5-yard first down.
+1Q2 02:55 · 3 & 3 · RushingHits the right A-gap decisively with low pad level, absorbing contact from Sweat and Jackson to fall forward for the conversion.
+0.5Q3 06:22 · Special teamsActs as the off-returner/lead blocker, guiding the path and sealing off pursuit ahead of Saylors.
-1Q3 03:34 · 2 & 10 · Pass blockTasked with picking up the blitzing Sherwood in the B-gap but gets knocked backward into Goff's face as the pass is thrown.
+0.5Q3 01:53 · 1 & 10 · RushingSells the zone mesh aggressively into the line of scrimmage, successfully holding the second-level linebackers and crashing the edge.

Sione Vaki's season grades →