Heading into Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, the Detroit Lions’ defense got back a key starter in the secondary in veteran cornerback DJ Reed.
Reed has missed several games due to a hamstring injury, so this was a perfect time to get him back before their pivotal matchup in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. Lions fans would have liked to see Terrion Arnold back as well, but he’s still dealing with a concussion.
Nonetheless, Lions fans thought that the secondary, specifically the cornerback room, would be okay with Reed and the other guys against a beleaguered Giants’ offense. However, Giants QB Jameis Winston had other ideas as he shredded the Lions’ defense to the tune of 366 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception.
After seeing the secondary play well over the last few weeks, it was concerning to see the unit take a step back. Winston attacked Amik Robertson, who had a 61.7 overall defensive and 64.8 coverage grades, per Pro Football Focus. He also gave up seven receptions for 112 yards on 10 targets, which was less than ideal.
If you’re a Lions fan, you’re happy that the team pulled up an overtime win, but you likely want to see Arnold back as soon as Thanksgiving.
Lions Quickly Need Terrion Arnold Back After Giants Exposed Weakness
Before Arnold went down with a concussion in Week 10, the second-year defensive back was playing well on the boundary.
Opponents were only completing 37.5 percent of their passes thrown towards Arnold’s way with a 14.1 passer rating in Weeks 9 and 10. The young cornerback had previously missed time with a shoulder injury in October that caused him to miss Weeks 6 and 7.
Now, Detroit’s defense has shown throughout this season that it can thrive without its starters, as it's a next-man-up mentality. However, eventually the clock struck midnight on this group on Sunday afternoon, and it's clear that they need Arnold back.
With it being a short week, the hope is that Arnold can clear the league’s concussion protocol and be back on the field for Thanksgiving.
The Packers’ passing game hasn’t been spectacular recently since losing Tucker Kraft to injury, but they still have an abundance of weapons, which are much better than the Giants, that can give them issues.
Arnold didn’t play well in the first meeting against Green Bay in Week 5, as he allowed 87 yards on five completions (seven targets), a touchdown, and a 153 passer rating. However, you've got to believe he’ll want to help this group rebound in a key divisional game.