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Report Card: Grading the Detroit Lions at the quarter mark

By Jeremy Friedrichs

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jamal Agnew #39 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his 100 yard kick off return for a touchdown with teammates Dee Virgin #30,Nick Bawden #46,C.J. Moore #49,Miles Killebrew #35,Logan Thomas #82 and Mike Ford #38 in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jamal Agnew #39 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his 100 yard kick off return for a touchdown with teammates Dee Virgin #30,Nick Bawden #46,C.J. Moore #49,Miles Killebrew #35,Logan Thomas #82 and Mike Ford #38 in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Cornerbacks

The Lions’ cornerbacks have had a very good beginning to the season, though there are concerns moving forward. The biggest worry has to be the health of Darius Slay, who missed the Chiefs contest with a hamstring injury.

Slay has been his strong self in the two-and-a-half games he has played, though he has given up a handful of explosive passing plays. Still, the Lions’ secondary is stronger with him patrolling the back end, and he will be needed sorely when the season continues after the bye.

Justin Coleman has been the Lions best corner through the first four contests and has been worth every part of the large free-agent contract the Lions gave him this spring. Lining up primarily in the slot, his play has been getting stronger by the week and culminated by a brilliant performance against the Chiefs. He nearly had a game-sealing interception in that contest, as well as a heady forced fumble. More please, Justin.

Rashaan Melvin has been a solid addition to the unit. He hasn’t made too many game-shifting plays but has made few mistakes while battling through some nagging injuries. He was well-positioned to defend Eagles wideout J.J. Arcega-Whiteside on the goal line to force an incompletion and clinch a victory in Week 3.

Jamal Agnew, Mike Ford, and rookie Amani Oruwariye have played just a combined 103 defensive snaps thus far as the Lions backup corners. Ford has made the most strides of the group, playing a season-high 51 defensive snaps against the Chiefs and not looking out of place.

The Lions are likely pleased with this group overall, but would definitely love a few more big plays from their corners. There is little respite when it comes to aerial attacks in the NFL, and Detroit will need good health, and more takeaways from this group (just one combined interception) when they resume play.

Grade: A-

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