Detroit Lions’ linebackers dominated the Colts, should do the same to Jets

Off the bench

Jalen Reeves-Maybin received high marks from Pro Football Focus for his play against the Colts, and deservedly so. The Lions rookie made the “team of the week” for the for his play. Compared to both his opponents and his own teammates on the field at the same stage of the game Reeves-Maybin was clearly in a different class of player.

It is only the first pre-season game, but that is exactly what you want to see at this point in the year from a prospect. He was too fast for the game around him, not the other way around. It will be interesting to see when and how he inserts in to the earlier portions of games as the preseason goes forward. He has shown that he deserves to be among the Lions’ linebackers going forward

Paul Worrilow showed Lions fans exactly what he is on Sunday. He is an athletic player who makes decisions slowly. Once he moves his closing speed is great, but he takes too long to do so. He stands at the top of zone drops with dead feet waiting for the ball to be thrown. He gets there just a moment too late to prevent a completion because of that. In man coverage, Worrilow’s problems are much less noticeable, and in run support he handles his job, allowing others to do theirs around him. That is an underappreciated trait for a back up player.

Those are the five Lions’ linebackers I have making the 53 man roster barring injury, but Steve Longa made a case for a sixth. He and Nick Bellore will both be making a case that their special teams acumen should land them a job. Longa did well with his snaps, but is a two down player at the NFL level on defense. Bellore did not play against the Colts, and has a similarly themed profile. Going forward these two, and possibly Thurston Armbrister will be the special teamers to look for.