The Detroit Lions improved to 2-1 for the season after Sunday's win over the New York Jets. But the criticism of the defensive unit hasn't subsided. Lions fans are still unconvinced about defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and the state of the defensive backfield. Many are understandably wondering whether their pass defense would survive against elite quarterbacks and opposing attacks.
This has forced some fans to ponder a few of the offseason decisions GM Brad Holmes made. One of those was letting veteran cornerback Amik Robertson walk.
Lions wish they had re-signed Amik Robertson
Robertson signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Washington Commanders in the spring. Through the first three weeks of the season, the former Lion has been one of the best CBs in the league.
According to Pro Football Focus, Robertson ranks third in the league in defensive and coverage grades among 99 eligible cornerbacks. In his best game of the season on Sunday, he helped lead the Commanders to an impressive win over the Seahawks. Robertson had four pass breakups, one forced fumble, and five tackles.
This is easily Robertson's best stretch of his career. Lions fans who watched him over the last two seasons would understandably be surprised by the 28-year-old's performance. This means that there is a good chance that this is unsustainable.
At the same time, the Lions would have liked to have even last year's Robertson on the team right now. On the same list of cornerbacks, Rock Ya-Sin ranks 94th and Roger McCreary 70th. Detroit has one of the worst defenses in the league and has allowed more points than any other team in the league.
Having Robertson replace Ya-Sin or McCreary would certainly give the Lions an upgrade.
Interestingly enough, the Commanders are using Robertson exclusively on the outside. In Detroit, the former fourth-round pick split his snaps equally between the nickel and the outside. This versatility could have come in handy on a Lions defense that needs help all over the backfield.
Few saw this coming from Robertson. Perhaps the Lions' front office didn't see it, either. While their decisions to trade David Montgomery and let Alex Anzalone walk don't look too bad in hindsight, they have to be wondering whether they should have kept Robertson. If he keeps this up, this will be a very legitimate question Lions fans will be asking.
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