The Detroit Lions and their fans are frustrated after losing to the Washington Commanders in the playoffs, and hope can be hard to find in the immediate aftermath of defeat.
After the dust settled, however, there are many reasons to feel good about the future. Cornerback Terrion Arnold is another major reason to remain encouraged considering the steps he made over the course of the season.
Following the loss, Arnold was disappointed, but for another reason entirely. He didn't want to see the season end because he loves working on his craft and being with his teammates.
"I wouldn't say it's a sense of shock, it's just a sense that team outplayed us that night. So, you have to get back to it. The only way to ease the pain is to get back to the drawing board. I mean, there's always somebody who's dealing with something way worse than a lost football game. I love the game of football. I put my life into it. I know my teammates do, and I know we'll be back."
Considering those facts, it makes it easy for Arnold to stay engaged instead of wallowing in despair. It's clear he already has the right plan on how to get ready for next season.
Terrion Arnold looks forward to resetting, then working hard to prepare for next season
Coming into the NFL as a cornerback is tough. It's a passing league and quarterbacks aren't shy about picking on rookies. In spite of that, Arnold learned a lot.
"I learned a lot. I feel like coming into this role, it was a lot and then I got better as the season went on. Started to find myself and it's one of those things where (I'm) really looking forward to next year. (I'm) looking forward to playing again. That's all I think about. When I woke up this morning, I said 'I can't believe it's over.' The only way to ease pain and this type of heartache is to get back to the drawing board and get to work."
Considering it's been a busy year for Arnold, he is going to take time to catch his breath before diving back into work. As for next season, he has a clear goal for his teammates.
"I'm not going to lie, I got to rest. Just between the combine, the NFL Draft, pro day and then playing, you didn't have a chance to get a break. I'll take a couple weeks to take a break and I'm right back to it, man. We got to get back. My message is not we've got to get back, but (rather) we will be back."
Following a bitter defeat, that's the right kind of mindset for everybody to have, much less a player finishing up his first year.