There have been a few surprises for the Detroit Lions this season after fans expected the worst, having lost their offensive and defensive coordinators. The Lions remain the dominant team they’ve been and are atop the NFC North with a 4-1 record, as the offense continues to roll over their opponents while the defense has been solid, even though multiple starters have been sidelined due to injury.
One player who has surprisingly helped keep the defense afloat while exceeding expectations is defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. Through five games, Muhammad has recorded three and a half sacks, 10 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hits.
He’s been the team’s second-best pass rusher behind Aidan Hutchinson, and Lions fans want nothing more than for Muhammad to keep his foot on the gas pedal.
Lions DE Al-Quadin Muhammad Has Surpassed Expectations
At this time last year, Muhammad had just signed with the Lions' practice squad after spending more than a month as a free agent. He was briefly on the Dallas Cowboys for training camp but was ultimately released on cut day. Needless to say, expectations weren't all that high.
Muhammad quickly saw reps with the defense suffering injuries in his first season with the Lions, leading to three sacks, 11 total tackles, and seven tackles for loss. Since he played well enough to impress head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions brought him back to bolster their depth.
No one thought Muhammad would instantly turn into a valuable contributor to the Lions’ pass rush; however, he's seemingly turned into a star overnight. His stellar play has elevated the Lions’ defense, as the team ranks second in sacks (16) and seventh in quarterback pressure percentage (22.8%). Muhammad’s 88.2 Pro Football Focus grade ranks ninth out of 169 edge rushers, and his 86.2 pass rush grade ranks 10th.
Before playing for the Lions, Muhammad had played for the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears, serving as a rotational player. After playing his lone season with the Bears in 2022, where he recorded one sack and 29 total tackles, Muhammad would re-sign with the Colts’ practice squad but didn’t play in the 2023 season after he was suspended for six games.
The Lions took a chance on Muhammad, and it has paid off. The 30-year-old pass rusher has made the most of every snap, and it has paid off. He’s been terrific opposite of Hutchinson, and his production has outperformed his contract. Continuing to exceed expectations will keep making his deal look like one of the NFL's biggest steals.
Lions' fans couldn’t be happier with his performance, and it'll be interesting to see where he finishes when all is said and done.