Terrion Arnold has faced down quite a tough 2025 campaign. The sophomore defender started out the year strongly, but faced criticism for the same things that plagued him in his rookie season - penalties and a lack of turnovers generated.
Then came his shoulder injury suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this year. What once looked like a season-ender ended up just being a blip for him, and he came back healthy to face off with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.
There would have been no better way for Arnold to prove how impactful he is for this Lions defense than to make a big play off rip. And, he did just that. In the second quarter, Arnold made a bit of an acrobatic grab from Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor, who fumbled too much with the ball and helped get it into the hands of Arnold.
TA SAID GIMME THAT#MINvsDET 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/ZurYFAKbeE
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 2, 2025
Arnold gets first INT of career against Vikings in Week 9
This was Arnold's first ever interception of his career, officially landing him on the board alongside Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and D.J. Reed. He's really just needed to improve in that department, because otherwise, he's been one of the Lions' best defenders in coverage.
While he doesn't have the turnover numbers to back it up, quarterbacks tend to steer clear of him when he's in man coverage. He's sticky, and it's hard to get a good read on a play with him tailing your best option.
READ MORE: Fresh trade deadline buzz invites massive concern for Lions fans
This has to be a confidence booster for Arnold, who is more or less helming the cornerback room by his lonesome with an injury to D.J. Reed still impacting their depth. While their safety room did get Branch back, the team is missing Joseph for this Week 9 bout. The Lions are, once again, struggling to get a good idea of what their defense is actually capable of due to injuries.
Arnold is going to have to keep up this consistency in the second half of the season for two reasons: the Lions are no longer the only strong team in the NFC North, and the team is rearing right up against the trade deadline. If he can show that he's improved post-injury, perhaps Detroit can focus on their two other biggest areas of need before November 4: the offensive line and pass rushing.