One of the best-kept secrets in the NFL is officially out following the Detroit Lions' impressive 38-30 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Monday night.
After bringing down Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to the tune of 2.5 sacks on the night, football fans across the country are now aware of the name Al-Quadin Muhammad. It was a performance that could very well leave fellow defender Marcus Davenport as an afterthought in Detroit, as Muhammad amassed four tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three QB hits against Jackson and the Baltimore offense.
Lions' Al-Quadin Muhammad Is No Longer a Secret Weapon After MNF
After suiting up for the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears, Muhammad seems to be finding a home in the Motor City. The linebacker provided his teammates with one of the most intense and emotional postgame speeches that fans have seen this season.
“I want to thank every player, every coach, everybody that’s in this organization because about a year ago, I was home. I was on the couch,” Muhammad said (h/t @FootballGuy_Al). “So, if you get a (EXPLETIVE) opportunity, make sure you take advantage of it. I want to also thank the guys in my room for helping me out this week. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did.”
This is the type of sports story that is easy to root for. Seeing a journeyman find the right situation and enjoy the type of success that Muhammad has thus far is part of what makes sports the best form of reality television.
Given the ongoing injury issues with Davenport, Muhammad should have an opportunity to play a bigger role in the front seven for a true postseason contender. Should he maintain this pace, the former University of Miami standout will have no issues blowing by his career-high of six sacks in a single season.
Fans now know what Muhammad is capable of providing this defense. At the same time, opposing offensive coordinators are certainly familiar with his game now if they weren't before Monday night's road win for Detroit.
As a result, Muhammad will now be included as a larger part of the opposition's game plan. How he manages to work his way around the added attention will be the next thing to follow when it comes to the type of impact Muhammad can have on this defense over the long haul.