Despite having a 3-1 record, the Detroit Lions' secondary play has been concerning. After adding D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin in the offseason, the Lions' secondary was expected to be a solid unit. However, they have yet to deliver a good showing.
While they ranked 13th against the pass (199 yards per game), they’ve allowed the sixth-most air yards (588), rank 30th in yards per completion (12.1), and 25th in yards gained per pass attempt (7.6). Detroit's high-powered offense may cover some of these issues from week to week, but these averages paint a disturbing picture of what the future could hold once the competition is greater and the stakes are raised.
One player that has had a slow start to the season is Maddox, who the team signed to a one-year deal in March. Through four games, Maddox has surprisingly appeared on defense in two games, serving primarily as a backup and on special teams. Now, with cornerback D.J. Reed sidelined and safety Kerby Joseph missing Wednesday’s practice, Maddox will likely see an increase in his playing time on defense.
Lions Fans Shouldn't Worry About Maddox Despite His Slow Start
Maddox, 29, spent the first seven years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing with his hometown Lions in March. He was an impactful member of the secondary in Philadelphia, recording 270 combined tackles, three sacks, four interceptions, and eight forced fumbles in 81 games. Through four games with the Lions, Maddox hasn’t been able to match that type of impact, recording two tackles in just 34 defensive snaps.
It’s not Maddox’s fault for his sparse usage; it’s just that the Lions have Brian Branch, Arnold, Joseph, and Reed on the roster and they, rightfully so, take the majority of the reps. However, due to the numerous injuries to Detroit's secondary, Maddox could fill in as the team’s free safety or slot corner.
Maddox has experience at both positions, splitting time between the two last year with the Eagles. In 17 appearances, primarily as a reserve, Maddox recorded 20 combined tackles and five pass deflections, receiving a 61.9 overall grade and 62.9 coverage grade per Pro Football Focus. Of the 34 defensive snaps he’s played in this season, Maddox played 26 of them at free safety, receiving a 62.8 overall grade.
While Maddox isn’t a starting-caliber player at this time, he’s proven to be a solid contributor and is better than the Lions' current backup options. Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin both have been terrible this year, per PFF, with Robertson receiving a 52.9 overall grade and Ya-Sin receiving a 54 overall grade.
If the Lions unleash Maddox and give him more playing time, he could potentially be a boost against the pass. He’s bound to have an impact this week against the Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals, whose passing attack has averaged only 112 passing yards in the two games without him.
Regardless of how he performs these upcoming weeks, though, fans should expect Maddox to play better.