Defensively, the Detroit Lions are under pressure. Not only do they have more injury problems, but they also allowed 48 points in the Week 15 loss to the Buffalo
It would be understandable if confidence is now lagging in the group, but little has changed as it relates to the goal. Though the Lions just had their worst game against a top-notch offense, cornerback Terrion Arnold knows what has to change moving forward.
"We have to do a better job in the secondary as far as plastering. We've been doing that all year. I think our urgency has to be better and our communication has to be better. It's just one of those things where we look at it as another opportunity to get better, another opportunity to go out there and grow. We just have to go out there and compete harder."
As for the defeat, Arnold chalked the performance up mostly to a quality opponent, but sent a strong message to the rest of his teammates about how the improvement he speaks of can happen.
"I would say it's just one of those days where we had to prepare better and we played a really good football team. But we have to not turn against each other and stay focused and get ready for the next opponent."
Arnold's words are wise beyond his years. It's a reasonable expectation that the Lions will continue to work hard defensively and will not let a bad performance destroy their chemistry or confidence. Hearing that kind of leadership after a tough loss from a rookie is positive for Detroit.
Josh Paschal anticipates Lions' defense will be hungry to respond
When it comes to the next step for the defense, defensive lineman Josh Paschal understands the makeup of the players and coaches matters in the face of adversity.
"I know the guys that we have in our room. The guys that we have in our defensive room, period. The whole team. I know the coaches and I know the type of guys that when we hit adversity, we will respond with great, great urgency. I'm looking forward to seeing these guys in the meeting rooms and being able to bounce back."
The Lions will now move on to face divisional opponent on the road in the Chicago Bears, and the defense has a chance to change the conversation quickly. Arnold and Paschal are clearly ready for that opportunity.