The Detroit Lions are entering Week 5 with the worst defense in football. Allowing more yards and points than any other team in the league, the Lions are consistently getting carved up by the opposing attacks. This has put defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard on thin ice and has significantly increased the scrutiny of Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes.
The Lions have a bye week after Sunday. If they don't look drastically improved on the defensive side of the ball, it will be a very long two weeks in Detroit. Radical decisions have to be made, which could include significant personnel and coaching changes. That is why Detroit simply can't afford to enter the bye week with a 2-3 record.
Doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. You can criticize Sheppard and Campbell for a lot of things, but they are not insane. This means that there will be changes on Sunday.
This includes personnel changes. One adjustment the Lions must seriously consider is giving rookie cornerback Keith Abney a bigger role.
Lions should give Keith Abney significant snaps in Week 5
Since he was drafted in the fifth round, Abney was almost exclusively used in the slot. Sheppard said that the team is even exploring using him at safety. While it's understandable that the Lions want to try everything to turn things around on defense, Abney deserves a shot as an outside corner.
The Lions selected Abney because he was a very good cornerback in college. He turned heads during his junior season at Arizona State, standing out in zone coverage with his instincts and competitiveness. It's difficult to understand why they haven't used him in the position he has thrived in.
It's not like the Lions don't need help on the outside. DJ Reed has looked a step slower this season, and neither Roger McCreary nor Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has looked particularly convincing. Especially with Rock Ya-Sin also out in Week 5, why not give Abney a shot to see what he can do?
Campbell already teased that Abney, along with veteran DB Jalen Mills, could play more going forward. He didn't specify how much or where, but this is a good sign for Abney's outlook for Week 5 and beyond.
The Lions need help in the defensive backfield. Abney probably has the most upside of any defender on the team who hasn't had a real shot so far. It behooves the Lions to get him out there against Arizona.
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