ALLEN PARK — Dan Campbell was impressed with how the newly restructured secondary performed against the Chicago Bears, which bodes well for a defense that has had to adapt frequently due to a slew of injuries. This shift in personnel involved significant changes, and it seems these adjustments could be long-term.
In the first game without starting cornerback Carlton Davis III, the Lions appeared to find a successful formula. Amik Robertson was moved from his inside cornerback position to start on the outside, opposite rookie Terrion Arnold. Robertson looked comfortable in the new role, playing with his trademark physicality.
This shift in Robertson’s position allowed Brian Branch to return to his primary role as the team’s slot cornerback. Branch, who has seen a lot of nickelback action this season, played 47 snaps in the slot against the Bears, which was 28 more than his previous highest total in that position this season.
Additionally, Ifeatu Melifonwu made his season debut, contributing 53 snaps and a sack in a versatile role. After missing the first 14 games due to ankle and hand injuries, Melifonwu played 17 snaps in the box, 18 in the slot, one on the outside, and 14 deep as a safety, showcasing his flexibility.
Melifonwu’s return came as the Lions chose not to elevate Jamal Adams from the practice squad for the first time in three weeks. Adams, who shares similar skills and size with Melifonwu, has one elevation remaining for the season’s final two games, making the decision on his role interesting going forward.
Campbell praised Melifonwu’s performance, noting, “And it’s really — we need him, we have to have him. There is no other choice. There is no other option. You have to be able to go, so he did.” He continued, “I thought for not having played since training camp, it was solid. It really was. Now, it was rusty. He’s got improvement to make, he knows that, and he will improve. But for the first game back, I thought it was a solid performance.”
After the game, both Robertson and Melifonwu received recognition from Campbell for their adaptability and play. Given the many moving parts on Detroit’s defense, their ability to step up was crucial. “Then defensively, Amik, golly, it was great, him outside,” Campbell said. “We felt good about that move and then moving Branch back to nickel just to give us the best lineup on the backend. And I’ll tell you what, Amik was just outstanding. Covered great all day but also physical on the perimeter. The number of tackles and tough plays that he made really showed up. He was a force for us, so that was good.”
Rookie Terrion Arnold faced some challenges, including allowing a 45-yard touchdown to Keenan Allen before halftime. Pro Football Focus noted that Arnold gave up four catches on eight targets for 82 yards, including the long touchdown. However, Arnold acknowledged how valuable it was to see the defense’s overall versatility and how much his teammates’ performances inspired him.
“I mean, Branch literally went from playing free safety to now he has to come in and play man every rep,” Arnold said. “Then Amik, he’s always been a dog. When I first got here, me and Amik, we kind of gelled, just because of how his mentality is. And we hold each other to a very high standard. Even like when he makes plays like that, I feel the need to — ‘OK,’ it turned me up. I got to go out there and make plays.” Arnold also emphasized the sense of responsibility in playing for the absent Davis, “We have to go and get it done for him, too. We play for each other.”
Despite the occasional setbacks, Campbell expressed admiration for Arnold’s resilience, particularly his key stop on D.J. Moore in the end zone. The rookie cornerback, known for his confidence, relished the challenge of facing star receivers like Moore and Allen. “TA gave up that one touchdown, but really, he had a pretty good game,” Campbell said. “He really did. He did some things that were pretty good. He challenged out there, had the play in the red zone, knocked it down. That was good to see.”
Robertson, Branch, and Melifonwu all played at a high level, with Branch and Robertson combining for 20 tackles and three pass deflections. Melifonwu also added three pressures and a sack against Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, picking up where he left off last season as a strong, reliable blitzer from the second level.
