2. CB Carlton Davis
Davis tried to insist going against his former team this week is not personal, but defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn unsurprisingly suggested otherwise.
If it wasn't even just a little personal for Davis going against Tampa Bay, the team that traded him, he wouldn't be human. His Lions' debut was not excellent, as Buccaneers' fans might bring up. But his inherent familiarity with Buccaneers' receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin was surely beneficial to his teammates in this week's preparation.
Glenn confirmed that when he talked to the media this week, as Davis showed a different side of himself with "a chip there" for his former team.
#Lions Aaron Glenn says DB Carlton Davis who spent the last 6 years in Tampa Bay gave the best introduction to the #Bucs receivers in the defensive meeting yesterday that he's ever heard from a player.. Was so articulate with it. . . and says Davis who's really quiet has a little…
— Dannie (@dannierogers___) September 12, 2024
The revenge game angle is low-hanging fruit with Davis this week, and it's not surprising he wouldn't entertain it when reporters tried different angles on that narrative. The bottom line is he needs to perform well on Sunday, or it could be a very long day for him and the entire Lions' secondary.
1. CB Terrion Arnold
Arnold was fine in his NFL debut, even with some spotlight on two defensive pass interference penalties that each led to points for the Rams. But Campbell and Glenn both emphasized how they don't want him to lose his aggressiveness, he simply has to adjust to how NFL referees call contact from defensive backs. It's a common adjustment for rookie cornerbacks, and it's a lesson Arnold acknowledged.
As a rookie corner, opposing passing games will target Arnold heavily until further notice. He allowed eight catches on 10 targets in his coverage last week (according to Pro Football Focus), but he was able to limit those receptions to 57 combined yards with just 10 yards allowed after the catch.
Exactly what Arnold "shining" on Sunday looks like will probably be somewhat subjective, but in general it will have a "know it when you see it" component. And it won't necessarily mean, as examples, holding Evans without a catch when he's lined up across from him or having two interceptions in the game.
A strong showing in coverage and as a tackler, with a noticeably positive play or two if we're allowed to get a little nitpicky, would be a fine performance from Arnold against Tampa Bay.