3 Detroit Lions game balls for Week 15 against the New York Jets

3. DE Romeo Okwara

Okwara returned after being out for 14 months due to an Achilles’ tear in Week 14 against the Vikings. He played more than expected, 25 snaps, and didn’t make much of an impact as he got acclimated coming off a major injury and a long absence.

Against the Jets, the Lions’ leading sacker in 2020 (10) and 2018 (7.5) played one more snap than he did against Minnesota. But he had four total tackles and two sacks, and noticeably had more juice in his second game back.

Campbell talked about Okwara after the game.

"Yeah, it means a lot to have Romeo back. Just to have him in the fold with us, first of all, he’s an unbelievable locker room guy and he’s a hard worker,” “And then, on top of that, to have his length, his ability. Look, he plays the run well, he can rush the passer, you can work him on a guard inside, you can work him outside. Look, he was better than he was last week. He’s gotten a little bit better and there’s some things that really showed up today."

A healthy Okwara is a notable addition to a Lions’ defensive front and pass rush that has been very good lately. It showed against the Jets, and he may only get better over the rest of the season. For Week 15, with some “he’s back” ceremony and sentiment honestly mixed in, Okwara gets a game ball for his performance.