Nick Whiteside was breaking up passes left and right. Rock Ya-Sin was bouncier than ever, forcing incompletions on at least two passes that would've been makes had he not been feeling extra spry. Jack Campbell was an unstoppable force against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' run game. Arthur Maulet, Thomas Harper, and Amik Robertson were pests.
This was the defensive effort that took down one of the stronger teams in the NFC on Monday night in Week 7. Many of these players aren't starters. In fact, a few were getting their first ever NFL start in this contest due to injuries and the suspension of Brian Branch for one game.
They stepped up, showing both defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and general manager Brad Holmes that, maybe, the team doesn't need to make a huge swing trade to boost their secondary.
Lions might take a step back at trade deadline after Week 7
Maybe the answer to the Lions' issues with injuries at that position lie from within. With the "whom." It remains to be seen if Detroit is really going to swing for the fences at the trade deadline, but if they were in the market for some cornerback help, it sure seems like Holmes knows he can hold off on doling out picks and players for one if this performance against Baker Mayfield is any indication.
In addition to the work of this backup secondary, though, the return of Alim McNeill might've made a swing for pass rush help unnecessary. His insertion into the defensive line finally provided relief to, essentially, everyone else on the line.
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That allowed for Aidan Hutchinson, Derrick Barnes, and even practice squad call up Tyrus Wheat to feast against the Buccaneers' offensive line. Detroit finished up with four sacks and eight quarterback hits on the night.
We've yet to see that level of domination from the Lions all season against an actually strong opponent, which might further push down Holmes' desire for making a deal. Add in the impending return of Marcus Davenport, and the team is probably not feeling rushed into any decisions like the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles might be.
“Not yet. He’s doing well, he’s getting better. We like where all of those guys are at. Man, we’re going to be looking pretty good at the end of November, December, which is awesome. But I don’t see him being ready before the bye for sure," shared Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman from Dan Campbell's press conference update on Davenport ahead of Week 7.
For once, the Lions' health might be on their side instead of actively working against them prior to the trade deadline. They might shape up to the the healthiest team in the NFC by the time the postseason picture begins to become solidified.