The Detroit Lions made significant investments in their secondary during the NFL Draft, using their top two picks on cornerbacks. However, the team may need to consider giving their top pick, Terrion Arnold, a break after early struggles with penalties and inconsistent play, according to an analyst. Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports pointed out Arnold’s costly mistakes in the first three games, suggesting that it may be time for him to take a step back.
“We’re not calling him a bust, because he’s far from it. We’re also not suggesting that Arnold be benched for the rest of the season. It’s just time for him to sit out for a bit to regroup,” Payton wrote.
Arnold, who has only played three NFL games, currently leads all defensive players in penalties and pass interference calls. In addition, he has already been fined by the NFL for a face mask violation, which Payton described as highly unusual for a rookie.
Arnold’s Mistakes Have Impacted the Lions Payton highlighted how Arnold’s penalties have been particularly damaging. In the Lions’ 26-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams, Arnold was flagged twice for pass interference in the end zone, which resulted in 10 points for the Rams.
In a subsequent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arnold was penalized for another pass interference call that led to a field goal, and a facemask penalty in the same game helped Tampa move into Lions’ territory, setting up a touchdown.
Payton suggested the Lions should consider starting Kindle Vildor in Arnold’s place, giving the rookie time to adjust to the NFL before returning to the starting lineup.
Injuries Could Limit Options for the Secondary The Lions may face challenges in their secondary due to injuries.
Versatile defensive back Brian Branch suffered a neck injury in the team’s win over the Arizona Cardinals on September 22 and entered concussion protocol. While there’s some hope that Branch could return soon, his availability for Monday’s game against the Seahawks remains uncertain.
Branch has been a key player for the Lions, recording 22 tackles, seven passes defended, and one interception through the first three games of the season.
Others have also noted Arnold’s inconsistent play early in the season. Zach Moran of USA Today’s Lions Wire pointed out after Week 2 that Arnold started the game quietly—typically a positive for a cornerback—but later committed costly pass interference penalties that led directly to Rams’ points.
