Detroit Lions Need Defensive Tackle C.J. Mosley Checked In For The Rest Of The Season

Monday, it was revealed why the Detroit Lions sent C.J. Mosley home early from London. The defender was smoking marijuana in his hotel room and managed to catch the attention of the team in the process.

For his part, Mosley apologized this week for letting everyone down thanks to his act, and asked for forgiveness. The apologies were likely quickly accepted by all, but considering the circumstances of what unfolded on the field, it could have gone the other way just as quick.

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During the game, starter Nick Fairley went down with a knee injury, causing him to miss most of the action against the Atlanta Falcons. Without Mosely to rely on as a capable backup, Detroit was fortunate not to have catastrophe strike for a third time using rookie Caraun Reid in the middle of the line. Darryl Tapp managed to play out of position and also held the fort well.

In spite of that, the Lions were able to elevate their game and survive, netting an important win. It wouldn’t have been possible without the selfless contributions of plenty along the defensive line that day, considering the odds they were up against without both Fairley and Mosley, two starting caliber contributors.

Now, Mosley will be back in the fold this Sunday when the Lions tangle with the Miami Dolphins. While all may have been forgiven regarding Mosley’s indiscretion, the simple understanding becomes that type of action cannot happen again, nor can anything less than full engagement with the team. Fact is, Mosley is lucky his sentence from Jim Caldwell wasn’t longer than two weeks given its horrible midseason timing.

With Fairley out for a month or more with his knee injury, Mosley has to be on his best behavior and be the player Detroit needs him to be in the middle of the line. Going from Fairley to Mosely wouldn’t have presented that big of a drop off in the past, but if Mosley isn’t able to be mentally invested, the Lions might be better off keeping the rotation that worked in London ready to contribute.

This week, Mosley has to prove he’s ready for the challenge of being the team’s unquestioned starter in the middle of the line for perhaps the next two months, and the leadership that comes along with such a role. No longer can he hide in the shadows and simply try to skate by.

This week, Mosley has to prove he’s ready for the challenge of being the team’s unquestioned starter in the middle of the line for perhaps the next two months, and the leadership that comes along with such a role.

It’s time for him to lead by example for the defense, and Monday’s public apology in front of the scribes and cameras was a good start.

On the football field is where Mosley must make his presence felt next.