After the Detroit Lions - and really, the entire NFL - didn't swing on a cornerback, it became immediately clear that the team was ready to lean on their typical saying when asked about their lack of moves at the deadline: they like their guys.
You've heard general manager Brad Holmes say it, and head coach Dan Campbell say it. And in their defense, there's not much to dislike about the teams' defense as of late. From Week 7-9, they've allowed under 20 points from their opponents, and it's in much thanks to the Lions' switch from a lot of zone coverage to far more man coverage.
Specifically, this reliance on the Lions' secondary speaks to their trust in Khalil Dorsey and Keith Abney II, and their ability to step up within the teams' ongoing cornerback rotation.
Lions have to rely on Dorsey, Abney for rest of season
Dorsey and Abney have been a part of an interesting game plan from defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard this season, which has entailed rotating them in on 3rd and 4th down plays.
They're essentially relied upon in the most clutch defensive situations for Detroit, and both have been thriving. Dorsey has a 75.3 coverage grade this season, while Abney has had a few interception opportunities already this season - and one pick. Abney's also been a great backup safety as the Lions work Brian Branch back into the rotation consistently.
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It's been a process of building out a competent secondary through combining parts, as opposed to relying heavily on any one CB2 next to D.J. Reed. As of now, that process is working - but it might also be a mirage.
Lions' recent success on defense is a bit misleading
Detroit managed to hold the Green Bay Packers (with a plethora of injuries to their offensive line), the Minnesota Vikings (without any good quarterback play), and the Miami Dolphins (who are tanking) to under 20 points. I'm not here to knock three great defensive performances, but we do need to temper our expectations for their improvement as they're set to face a few legitimate challenges in coming weeks - one against the New England Patriots this week, and in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving.
I don't believe the Lions held back from getting aggressive at the deadline as a result of this recent improvement, but you can't help but wonder if their success led the team, and front office, to believe that the defense will be just fine in the aggregate.
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