The Detroit Lions’ defense stepped up in a big way against the Chicago Bears after getting embarrassed to open the year. One expected player who turned heads during that contest was veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Muhammad was all over the box score with four tackles, two QB pressures, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. While Aidan Hutchinson led the way with two QB pressures, two tackles, a tackle for a loss and a sack in the blowout win, the Lions also lost fellow edge rusher Marcus Davenport to a shoulder injury.
The injury opens an opportunity for Al-Quadin, and Dan Campbell seemed to agree when speaking to reporters during his Monday press conference, indicating that the veteran's role will continue to grow moving forward.
Al-Quadin Muhammad Gifted Golden Opportunity After Week 2 Performance
According to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit, Campbell said that he’s been impressed with the veteran defensive end since training camp, and he’s “playing incredibly hard right now."
If you’re the Lions, it's a worthwhile shot to see what Muhammad can do in an expanded role. Detroit doesn’t have much depth at the defensive end spot as is, so already having a banged-up Davenport is not good, given that he missed most of last year, too.
That said, the Lions will bank on Muhammad building off his performance against Chicago and hopefully flash like he did last year when Detroit needed guys to step up.
In nine games (two starts), the 30-year-old defender had 11 combined tackles, eight quarterback pressures, five quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, three sacks, and a pass deflection.
Muhammad does have some limitations as a run defender with a 47.8 grade last season, per Pro Football Focus. However, with the Lions having rookie Tyleik Williams and D.J. Reader in the middle of the defensive line to help out with the run, they want Muhammad to utilize his strength and speed to get after the quarterback.
Nonetheless, if Muhammad continues to play hard, especially in this week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, that will only push Campbell to play him more. It won’t be an easy task for Detroit’s defense as they must try to keep Lamar Jackson in the pocket while trying to slow down Derrick Henry.
The Ravens won’t let Hutchinson wreck the game, so it will be up to Muhammad to be that breakout star for the second consecutive week and give the Lions' pass rush the depth it needs to replicate last week's performance against the Bears.