Tag: terrion Arnold

Detroit’s stunning turnaround in pass coverage keys defensive improvement

The Detroit Lions invested heavily in upgrading the pass coverage and it’s paying off, with the Lions D allowing the lowest QB rating in 2024

The Detroit Lions have allowed the lowest opposing QB passer rating through the first 14 weeks of the 2024 NFL season. That is perhaps the most startling statistic you’ll see all week.

The Lions are allowing a cumulative passer rating of 76.5 en route to a 12-1 start. That’s a significant upgrade from the 93.1 that Aaron Glenn’s unit surrendered in 2023, a mark that ranked 23rd of 32 NFL teams. Passer rating encompasses completion percentage, yards per catch, touchdowns vs INTs and more. Give credit to the radical turnaround to the coverage, specifically the overhauled Detroit secondary.

Detroit swapped out Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, Tracy Walker and more, replacing them with Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson and a savvy move to install Brian Branch as a full-time safety after spending his rookie season in the slot. The investment in upgrading the coverage has paid off immediately.

Davis, signed as a free agent, is the top-graded cover corner in the NFL over the last month per PFF metrics. The team’s first-round pick, Arnold has been very effective in coverage, albeit something of a penalty magnet. Robertson has been steady in the slot and does a great job limiting yards after the catch.

The safety tandem of Branch and Kerby Joseph has been free to take more playmaking chances as a result, and it’s working. Joseph has a league-best seven INTs. Branch has already surpassed his INT and solo tackle totals from his fantastic rookie season. The vision and coordination of the two safeties have also been quite beneficial in overall coverage.

In 2023, the Lions earned a PFF coverage grade of 51.6 for the season, ranking 30th. Through Week 14, that grade has spiked to 82.4 — 4th-best in the league. Given that the QB pressure rate and sack rate are nearly identical to 2023, the revamped secondary and more aggressive man-coverage scheme from Glenn and his defensive staff deserve the Lions’ share of the credit for the considerable defensive improvement.

 

Rookie CB Terrion Arnold had his ‘best game of the season’ per Dan Campbell

Lions rookie CB Terrion Arnold had his ‘best game of the season’ against the Packers per Dan Campbell

Terrion Arnold had himself an impressive outing against Green Bay. The rookie Lions cornerback played a key role in Detroit’s home win on Thursday night, allowing just nine yards on two receptions versus the Packers’ passing attack.

It wasn’t a perfect game for the first-round rookie from Alabama. Arnold was guilty of a pass interference call that negated (and also caused) an interception. But he looked more than capable and confident in a critical late-season game against a very good division rival.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell noticed. In his first press conference since Thursday’s postgame address, Campbell praised Arnold’s performance.

“I thought that was Arnold’s best game of the season,” said Campbell as part of his opening statement.

Later in the press conference, Campbell was asked about Arnold’s progress through his rookie campaign.

“I think it’s just that we’re getting to that time of the year, and honestly, what happens with a lot of rookies, especially guys that you’re counting on, unfortunately, some of them start to take a nosedive because this is where their season begins as a dip down, it’s over. But then the other ones who hang in there, they really start taking flights.

What St. Brown did his rookie year, right, he started to take off once we hit November, December. He started to gain strength. (Penei) Sewell did the same thing, (Alim McNeill) Mac did the same thing, and I feel like that’s where Arnold’s at. He’s starting to push through this, and he’s gaining enough valuable reps (and) experience, he’s not letting the grind of the season weigh him down and he’s getting better.”

Terrion Arnold’s performance against the Bears is a beautiful problem for the Lions defense

Terrion Arnold’s performance against the Bears is a beautiful problem for the Lions defense

Whenever looking at the analytics for a player after a game, I never take it at face value. The data that gets charted on a player’s performance is a nice tool to have, but it doesn’t always tell the real story. That happens to be the case for Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold after playing the Bears last week.

Looking at the data pulled from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Arnold was rated as one of the bottom-5 defenders for the Lions defense last week. He earned a 46.1 overall grade and has an overall grade of 49.5 this season.

However, when studying the tape against the Bears, it tells a different story about Terrion Arnold and his performance. Meanwhile, the Lions are faced with a beautiful problem with Arnold and his importance to the Lions’ defense. Let’s dive into some tape to look at what went right and what went wrong for Arnold on Thanksgiving!

 

Starting with what could have been the first career interception for Terrion Arnold, we go with the play above. Looking at that play, you’ll see see the Bears come out under center with their ’12’ personnel (one running back and two tight ends).

Playing with outside leverage on the bottom of the screen, you’ll see Arnold. Once the ball is snapped and the receiver releases up the field, you’ll see Arnold right behind the receiver. Using a trail technique, Arnold is in a great position to undercut a pass vertically down the field but he’s also in a good position to jump any route that breaks in, out or back to the quarterback.

In this instance, the wide receiver appears to be running some type of comeback or curl route. However, Arnold is in great position and is all over the route. Unfortunately, the ball is thrown somewhat lower than expected and Arnold isn’t able to get a hold of the ball for the interception. The good news is that Arnold was there and he made a great play on 2nd down.

 

Next, I want to focus on what could have been for Terrion Arnold. The play above could have been a huge play that would have prevented the Bears from scoring a touchdown on the following play.

Looking at the play above, you can see Arnold at the bottom of the screen and he’s playing with outside leverage. By playing with outside leverage, he forces Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze to release inside. This is good for Arnold because he’s got safety Kerby Joseph playing over the top and inside with potentially some expectation of jumping an inside route such as a post, dig or slant.

The unfortunate reality is that Arnold bites on the head fake to the inside and this gives Bears quarterback Caleb Williams a passing window to the outside. Despite being right there, the ball is completed for the first down and the Bears get the ball inside the Lions 10-yard line for first-and-goal. Had Arnold been able to break this pass up, it would have been a huge stop for the Lions on 3rd down.

As you can see, the data will paint one picture but the film paints another. There was a lot of good to come from Terrion Arnold in this game against the Bears. Personally, I think it was his best game as a rookie and that’s promising for a Lions defense that has been depleted by injuries and is currently dealing with a knee and thumb injury for the cornerback opposite of Arnold in Carlton Davis.

Against the Bears, Arnold was credited with giving up 2 receptions for 6 yards despite being targeted 6 times. He did record one tackle and a pass deflection in this game. Overall, it was a good bounce back performance for Arnold after missing the Colts game with a groin injury.

For us fans, we need to remain patient with Terrion Arnold. Meanwhile, he needs to continue to stay patient and disciplined when dropping into coverage. If he does, good things will turn into great things for him and the Lions defense.

Lions postgame injury and medical report following the Thanksgiving win over the Bears

Lions postgame injury and medical report following the Thanksgiving win over the Bears which saw several players leave with injuries

The Lions gutted out a Thanksgiving victory but not before a myriad of players went down with injuries. There will be no mini-bye respite yet as the next game is in seven days on Thursday Night Football vs the Packers.

The main concerns coming out of the game are Malcolm Rodriguez, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and DJ Reader. Unfortunately, all those are along the front-7 which was already a significantly weakened unit coming into the game.

In Dan Campbell’s postgame press conference, he did provide some injury updates which I will include below.

These are the injuries I saw on initial watch along with suspected diagnoses:

Emmanuel Moseley

Moseley was a surprise inactive with Carlton Davis out, Terrion Arnold recovering (groin), and Kindle Vildor struggling last game. Moseley had played 15 special teams snaps last game without obvious issue. Dan Campbell stated that he had “pregame something that popped up”. It doesn’t sound too serious or long-term, but his status for next game is uncertain.

Terrion Arnold – groin

Despite a full week of “estimated” FP’s, Arnold did not start the 1st drive although he started all the drives after that. As to why, Dan Campbell stated: “We just wanted to make sure he was good.” Arnold looked sharp throughout the game.

Josh Paschal – right knee, 2q 12:50

Paschal appeared to take a hard step onto his right leg and did not return to the game. No deformity of the knee was seen on video which is good. He went to the locker room but returned to the sideline which is reassuring. A bone bruise is a possibility as well as cartilage damage. He’ll get an MRI soon to evaluate.

Levi Onwuzurike – left hamstring, 2q 00:09

The video looked concerning for a knee sprain but it was officially listed as a hamstring. He did not return to the game. He’s likely out for at least next game. Severity will determine how long he is out.

Mekhi Wingo – mild right knee sprain, 3q

Wingo had a slight limp during the 1st drive of the 2nd half. There was no obvious injury on video. He showed up with a right knee brace on the 2nd drive of the half and was still playing at the 12:00 mark of the 4th quarter. Hoping that this is just a mild knee sprain.

DJ Reader – left shoulder, 4q 11:18

The mechanism here is concerning for a shoulder subluxation. Hopefully, it’s just a mild shoulder strain. Good news is that he did return to the game although there were points where you could see that the shoulder was still bothering him.

Dan Skipper – right back or ribs, 4q 9:14

Skipper took a direct blow to the right torso/flank area. That is the same area as the rib injury he suffered in week 3, and I’m suspecting an aggravation of that injury. He was able to finish out the game and I don’t have any concerns going forward.

Khalil Dorsey – right low ankle sprain, 4q 8:24

His right ankle inverted slightly causing him to come up limping. I’m suspecting a mild low ankle sprain. He was able to stay in the game and should be fine.

Malcolm Rodriguez – right knee, 4q 6:39

Dan Campbell stated: “Rodrigo is the [injury] that could be the worst.”

The video was not clear but there is a concern for a non-contact ACL. Hopefully, it’s just a mild knee sprain.

Kindle Vildor – left arm contusion, 4q 3:14

Vildor had his left arm banged in friendly fire. He left the game briefly but returned and should be fine.

Za’Darius Smith – cramps, 4q 3:06 & 1:08

Smith needed assistance a couple times at the end of the game. I’m suspecting simple cramps as he was given an electrolyte drink on the sideline immediately after the initial episode. He was able to finish out the game.

Brian Branch – left ankle, 4q 1:04

There was no video of the injury here, but after the play, he was grabbing at his left ankle. He stayed in the game and looked to be fine.

Lions final injury report: Carlton Davis, Taylor Decker ruled out vs. Bears

Lions final injury report: Carlton Davis, Taylor Decker ruled out vs. Bears, and two other prominent starters are questionable with injuries

Some unfortunate news from the Detroit Lions final injury report of Week 13. The Lions will face the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving without the services of starting left tackle Taylor Decker and cornerback Carlton Davis.

Both Decker and David suffered leg injuries in the Week 12 win over the Colts. The short week hindered their availability for the annual Thanksgiving game. Neither is expected to be a long-term injury.

In addition to Decker and Davis, running back David Montgomery and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are officially questionable for Thursday’s game. Montgomery injured his shoulder, while St. Brown banged up his knee on a punt return in Indianapolis on Sunday.

On a more positive front, rookie CB Terrion Arnold has no injury designation and will play. Arnold missed the trip to Indy with a groin issue.

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Lions vs Bears: Tuesday injury report and medical analysis

Lions vs Bears: Tuesday injury report and medical analysis ahead of Week 13

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, so the Lions who suffered injuries last game will need to see a rapid recovery in order to play vs the Bears. See my postgame report for videos of all the injuries.

On Monday, Dan Campbell specifically mentioned Kalif Raymond, Carlton Davis, and Taylor Decker as players whose game status is uncertain.

On Tuesday, Campbell expressed no change in optimism regarding the status of those three. He also gave many other injury updates which I will include below.

Both the Monday and Tuesday designations are estimates as the Lions only had walkthroughs.

DETROIT LIONS

Amon-Ra St. Brown WR – knee (NP LP)

St. Brown appeared to injure his right knee area on a punt return in the 4th quarter last game. He was grabbing at his lateral distal knee and upper calf area. He finished the game with no obvious debility which is reassuring. Hopefully, this is just a mild contusion or muscle strain.

Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “I feel pretty good about Saint”.  Expect him to play on Thanksgiving.

David Montgomery RB, shoulder (NP LP)

After a hard hit to the right shoulder, Montgomery exited the last game. The injury could be a simple contusion or a mild AC joint sprain. Good news though as all signs point towards him playing against his former team on Thursday.

Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “I feel pretty good about David”.

Carlton Davis CB, knee/thumb (NP NP)

The thumb is still on the report after a fracture two weeks ago, but the main concern is the new knee injury suffered last game. He took a bad step and hurt his left knee area. Video did not show anything obvious and the ACL is fine. I’m suspecting a mild muscle/tendon strain to the posterior knee.

While the early signals are that the injury is not major, the 2x NP suggests he’s likely out vs the Bears.

Taylor Decker OT, knee (NP NP)

Decker appeared to suffer a mild right MCL sprain and mild right high ankle sprain last game on the same play. While not severe, even a mild version of these injuries could keep him out on Thursday. His status for the game may depend on how he feels on Wednesday.

Kalif Raymond WR, foot (NP NP)

Raymond’s left foot came down hard which is concerning for a foot or toe sprain. A Lisfranc or turf toe are possible among other things. While the injury is expected to keep him out a while, it is good that there has been no report that this is a serious season-ender. He will almost certainly be out this week with the main question being whether he goes on IR before Thanksgiving.

Dan Campbell on Tuesday stated: “We are still waiting on a second opinion….The first word we got was positive.”

DJ Reader DT, illness (NP FP)

Reader played 60% of defensive snaps last game which was his highest percentage of the year. He may have come down with an illness after the game. The FP on Tuesday means the illness is no longer an issue and he’ll very likely play.

Terrion Arnold CB – groin (FP FP)

After missing one game with the groin, the 2x FP is great news that the injury was mild and he will likely play on Thanksgiving. With Davis likely out, getting Arnold back helps a lot.

NOTABLES

Emmanuel Moseley CB

After missing all year with a pec tear, Moseley saw his first action last game with 15 special teams snaps. With Davis likely out and Kindle Vildor struggling last game, Moseley might see some defensive snaps vs the Bears.

Ennis Rakestraw CB

With his second hamstring issue of the year, Rakestraw was placed on IR last week.

OTHER LIONS ON IR

Aidan Hutchinson DE – starter
Alex Anzalone LB – starter
Derrick Barnes LB – starter
Marcus Davenport DE – starter
John Cominsky DE/DT
Kyle Peko DT
Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB
Ifeatu Melifonwu S

CHICAGO BEARS

Elijah Hicks S, ankle (NP NP)

This safety started for five straight games before hurting his ankle and missing last game. The 2x NP means he’s likely out.

Ryan Bates LG, concussion (LP LP)

Bates has missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. He got a concussion two weeks ago and missed the last game. With no FP’s yet, his status for Thanksgiving is uncertain and will likely be determined at Wednesday’s practice.

Terrion Arnold back at Lions practice but several starters sidelined

Terrion Arnold back at Lions practice but several starters sidelined after suffering injuries on Sunday

In this abbreviated work week, Monday becomes Wednesday on the Detroit Lions practice calendar. That means the injury and participation report comes out on Monday afternoon instead of the typical Wednesday, with the Lions hosting the Chicago Bears at 12:30 on Thursday.

The good news first. Starting cornerback Terrion Arnold was back as a full participant in Monday’s practice–which was a walkthrough. Arnold missed Sunday’s game in Indianapolis with a groin injury suffered in practice last week. It’s a good sign that the first-round rookie practiced without any limited designation.

Now for the bad news. All of the following players were listed as out:

LT Taylor Decker – knee
CB Carlton Davis – knee/thumb
RB David Montgomery – shoulder
WR Kalif Raymond – foot
DT DJ Reader – illness
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown – knee

Of those injuries, only Raymond appears to be a long-term injury. With the short prep week, however, it’s not a great development to have so many key players dealing with injuries that are enough to keep them from practicing.

Is Terrion Arnold playing today? Injury updates for Lions DB

Lions DB Terrion Arnold is dealing with a groin injury. Here are the latest updates.

Terrion Arnold did not travel with the Lions to Indianapolis and will not play against the Colts.

Arnold was added to the injury report late in the week. Coach Dan Campbell thought the rookie was going to be able to play. However, his groin injury will keep him out of the game.

“This morning he went in, got treatment, everything looked like it’s pretty good, so we’ll see what he looks like at practice today,” Campbell said Friday. “I’m not concerned right now, but we’ll see how this day goes.”

How long will Terrion Arnold be out?

No further updates have been made about Arnold’s return timeframe to the Lions.

Lions inactives vs. Colts: Terrion Arnold and a new OL added to the list

Lions inactives vs. Colts: Terrion Arnold and a new OL added to the list of players that won’t play for Detroit in Week 12

The inactive player list for the Detroit Lions in their Week 12 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts features a name no one wanted to see on the sidelines. The Lions ruled out starting cornerback Terrion Arnold on Saturday with a groin injury that the first-round rookie suffered in Thursday’s practice. He was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded.

Arnold’s absence is the biggest inclusion on the Lions’ inactive list. The rest of the list for Week 12 is populated with some usual suspects:

OL Giovanni Manu
OL Colby Sorsdal
DL Al-Quadin Muhammad

Defensive tackle Brodric Martin is inactive in his return from the I.R. list. That’s not terribly surprising given the injuries around the rest of the roster.

Offensive lineman Kayode Awosika is also inactive for the first time all season. That leaves the Lions with rookie Christian Mahogany as the top reserve guard, the first time Mahogany has been active.

Terrion Arnold downgraded by Lions, will miss Week 12

Terrion Arnold downgraded by Lions, will miss Week 12 against the Colts

The Lions will be without starting CB Terrion Arnold for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Arnold was downgraded by the team’s medical staff and ruled out for Week 12.

Arnold suffered a groin injury during Thursday’s practice. He was initially ruled as questionable for the game.

Fellow rookie CB Ennis Rakestraw is also out with a hamstring issue suffered in practice on Friday. Kindle Vildor and Khalil Dorsey will move up the depth chart.