On Saturday, December 30, 2023, in Arlington, Texas, during the first half of an NFL football game, Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) holds the football after intercepting a pass from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. (Photo by Sam Hodde for AP)
ALLEN PARK — In their last two games, the Detroit Lions have produced six takeaways, including four interceptions of the starting quarterback they will face again in Week 18.
It has altered the discourse surrounding their defense, and they are fully aware that they must maintain this run of takeovers into the playoffs.
They know exactly what’s in store for them. In terms of attacking the football, they’re being aggressive, according to Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Lions. They want to remove the football with a punch. It’s a mindset that exists at all times, and I recently told our soldiers that it’s becoming ingrained in their DNA. Because it was last year, most likely in the middle of the season. We were a bit behind schedule. It occurred during the previous five games.
However, our people are fully aware of that. In terms of victories and losses, it also benefits the team. You know, we usually win when we prevail in the turnover war. Thus, we wish to carry on in that manner.
Superstar wide receivers have annihilated the Lions for the past two weeks, so it would be irresponsible of us to be all optimistic here. This Saturday, they’ll see Justin Jefferson again. He nearly willed the Minnesota Vikings to a late victory.
Jefferson gained 141 yards, one score, and six catches against the Lions. Additionally, CeeDee Lamb had a huge weekend last week, catching 13 passes for 227 yards and one touchdown. You may discount Lamb’s 92-yard touchdown reception, but even so, his 135-yard day against this defense isn’t fantastic.
Glenn remarked, “I am a realist; I do know some of these guys, and they’re going to make plays.” “Dude, look at what Jefferson accomplished. Several times when we had him doubled, he just stepped up and made the play.
“All right, we need to win our one-on-one matches. Because I do know that when we strive to be aggressive toward people, we perform at our best. And I believe that’s when we perform at our peak. And that’s how our men prefer to play. As much as we need to win our one-on-one matches, we also need to eliminate any guys who are double-teamed.
With a third-best average of only 3.7 yards allowed per rush attempt, the Lions have continued to be formidable against the run. Their victories over the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings last month were aided by this infusion of insights. Additionally, it has happened as they have been switching up outside cornerbacks to cover Cam Sutton, allowing youngster Brian Branch to become comfortable in his nickelback position.
Third-year safety Ifeatu Melifonwu has been the driving force behind this recent noteworthy play. Since the safety turned cornerback was added to the starting lineup in Chicago last month, things have only gotten better for him.
In his last three games, Melifonwu has recorded two interceptions, four pass deflections, three sacks, and one forced fumble. This includes an NFC defensive player of the week victory and an interception on Christmas Eve against quarterback Nick Mullens of the Minnesota Vikings that sealed the division.
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Melifonwu is ranked as the fifth-best safety by Pro Football Focus as of Week 14. During that time, he has five pressures, which ranks him second among all safeties. He has played from back deep, in the box, and occasionally in the slot.
The Lions maintained that Melifonwu’s first two years of play were hindered by durability concerns. And after watching the large, strong defensive back blossom in meaty December football—especially following a full-time position switch—it’s difficult to contest that.
“Man, that’s a transition, going from a corner to safety,” Glenn remarked. He needed to learn quite a few things. And I believe he’s beginning to fully comprehend that stance. He is comprehending not just from a back-end standpoint. However, he is also becoming aware of his place in the paint. Well, he truly does comprehend that with the assistance of Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Alex Anzalone.
He also knows how to blitz flawlessly. And he truly does have that going for him. It is evident during practice, and he is simply carrying it over to the field.
Furthermore, Melifonwu deserves playing time regardless of who is available, as defensive back Ceedy Duce (C.J. Gardner-Johnson) is getting close to returning to action. Glenn mentioned that Melifonwu, Duce, and Kerby Joseph might share the field in specific looks and packages, and he hinted at finding methods to get them out there.
Despite several setbacks along the way, Joseph has also made some significant plays in the closing stages. The second-year safety has blocked three passes in the last two games after intercepting two passes against the Vikings, his first interceptions since Halloween. And Duce just finished leading the NFL in interceptions the previous season.
With Alim McNeill back alongside Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line, it’s hard not to fall in love with the concept of three ball-hawking safeties patrolling the back end.
Glenn declared, “Those three guys are all going to play.” “They’re all talented athletes. As a defense, the one thing we want to accomplish is to always have our top players available. It’s possible that all three of them are on the field simultaneously. However, you will witness that they are all going to play.
