Although there were some concerns with the Detroit Lions after a lackluster opener against the Green Bay Packers, they bounced back emphatically in a Week 2 blowout over the Chicago Bears. Heading into a huge road test on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens, the Lions' defense will need to step up despite facing some injury concerns.
One of those injuries is to defensive end Marcus Davenport, who exited the Week 2 win over Chicago with a shoulder injury and is questionable for the Monday night tilt with Baltimore. If he is ruled out or ends up being limited in that game, expect backup Al-Quadin Muhammad to take on a bigger role. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Muhammad is cool flying under the radar.
"Last year was, 'Who the (bleep) is 69?' This year it's, 'Who the (bleep) is 96?' So I love it. Keep them guessing."
Al-Quadin Muhammad Is Due for Increased Playing Time
While the Lions have had some options to go after for their pass rush, it seems that Muhammad is going to get some increased playing time. He was brought up to the active roster in Week 8 of the 2024 season after previously being a practice squad addition.
Muhammad started two games and recorded three sacks, 11 tackles, and 26 QB pressures, ultimately leading to the Lions re-signing him to a one-year deal. He even had a sack late in the regular-season finale last season against the Minnesota Vikings to seal the NFC North title for Detroit. When speaking to reporters on Monday, head coach Dan Campbell gave Muhammad his flowers after his performance with the team so far.
"He's been big for us and he's going to get more of a role," Campbell said, per John Maakaron of Sports Illustrated. "He's earned that."
Muhammad has already registered three solo tackles and one sack this season, but an upcoming matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens will be a big test. Sheppard revealed that he hasn't slept much this week in preparation for Baltimore's explosive offense.
Detroit ranks 10th in total defense (302.5 YPG) through two games, but must find a way to make Baltimore one-dimensional if it is going to have any success. Running back Derrick Henry went for 169 yards and two TDs in Week 1, and Jackson, who is 2-0 against the Lions, was 21-of-27 for 357 passing yards and three TDs, with one additional score on the ground in his most recent outing against Detroit.
Not only is the defensive front banged up, but so is the cornerback position. D.J. Reed is dealing with a knee issue and is one of several Lions defenders battling through injury concerns leading up to Monday night's game. Going against the only team in the league to score 40 points in each game so far, that is certainly concerning if Detroit is not at full strength.
However, the Cleveland Browns held Henry to just 23 yards on 11 carries last week despite eventually getting blown out in the end. If Muhammad can continue to prove his worth on the defensive front and help create some pressure, the Lions may be able to disrupt the Ravens' offense and give themselves a shot on the road.