Detroit Lions’ linebacker Derrick Barnes’s recent struggles continued in the team’s crushing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. Barnes recorded just three tackles in 64 snaps, looking a step slow on just about every play. He couldn't get the right angles when spying Jalen Hurts, he couldn't set an edge against the run to slow down Saquon Barkley, and he was just an overall non-factor. That comes one week after another dud against the Washington Commanders. If you're going off Pro Football Focus' grades, those were his two worst games of the season.
Despite recording a career-high four sacks through 10 games, Barnes hasn’t taken the leap that the Lions hoped he would. His recent string of performances has raised concerns amongst Lions’ fans, as Barnes started the season strong with 38 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks over his first six games.
With Barnes failing to provide meaningful contributions as of late, the Lions must give linebacker Trevor Nowaske a chance to prove himself.
Lions Must Give LB Trevor Nowaske a Chance to Prove His Worth
Last season, Nowaske served as a backup on the Lions' defense. Although he received playing time, Nowaske’s performance was disappointing. His 52.1 PFF grade ranked 110th out of 121 edge rushers, while his 54.5 run grade ranked 93rd. This season, Nowaske has primarily served on the Lions’ special teams and is listed as the team’s third-string weakside linebacker behind Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez, who was just activated off the injury list.
Before last week, Nowaske appeared in just 36 defensive snaps through ten games and hadn’t played on defense since Week 6. Despite not having a role on defense, he’s been productive in limited snaps, recording two tackles, three hurries, and one sack.
In just four snaps against the Eagles, Nowaske made the most of his opportunity, recording two total tackles, one of which was a crucial tackle for loss on 3rd-and-1, which forced the Eagles to punt on their third possession. Even though he played 59 fewer snaps than Barnes, he outperformed him and gave the Lions more production than he’s had in the last two games.
With Nowaske continuing to make plays, it’s time the Lions incorporate him in the defense. The Lions don’t have to give Nowaske 30 snaps a game, but they should give him at least 10 snaps. To give Nowaske a bigger role, the Lions must cut the playing time of Barnes and linebacker Grant Stuard. Neither player has been stellar in the run game, and they haven’t been as good against it as Nowaske.
Since Nowaske has displayed flashes against the run, the Lions should involve him early in the game by giving him snaps in short-yardage situations. This gives the Lions a sample size to determine if Nowaske is capable of providing the Lions meaningful contributions on defense.
If Nowaske can excel in this role, then the Lions must consider cutting Barnes's workload and giving a majority of his snaps to Nowaske. With Barnes in a slump and the Lions desperate to take back the lead in the NFC North, Nowaske has earned a chance to redeem himself and not just serve as an insurance piece.