Detroit Lions: Five must watch players on defense

Akeem Spence

Akeem Spence, Lions defensive tackle, also had a nice play on Hackenberg on the first down of the Jets third drive of the first quarter. While this play didn’t produce a possible turnover, Spence was able to move the Jets line of scrimmage back five yards.

This is really big for Spence as he looks to make a name for himself as depth behind defensive tackles Haloti Ngata and A’Shawn Robinson. While he played well against the Indianapolis Colts the week before, he wasn’t able to do much but flash talent. Spence spent four years as a rotational lineman with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers until signed by general manager Bob Quinn to a three year $9 million contract.

Spence finished the game with two tackles and a sack.

A’Shawn Robinson

While defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson hasn’t recorded much more than a tackle assist during the first two preseason games, he has been overpowering offensive lines. He has been able to use his bull rush move to close the pocket and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

His hands aren’t bad either, Robinson was able to bat down two passes at the line of scrimmage during the Colts game. Last season he had seven pass defenses over the course of the season. Robinson is looking to up his game in his second year with the team.

Robinson ended the game against the Jets with one tackle assist.