The Detroit Lions had a long build-up to their Week 5 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Outside noise about the poor defense was loud. It was a major talking point when discussing the Lions as a team, but the offense also deserved some criticism. Both had a sluggish start, but once the second quarter started, they came out and turned the game around, winning 45-21.<\/p>\n
Here are my six takeaways from the Lions\u2019 Week 5 win against the Cardinals.<\/p>\n
DJ Wonnum proving his worth<\/p>\n
While the Lions defensive line had a strong day against Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett overall, EDGE DJ Wonnum had the best game. Wonnum finished the game with two tackles, both sacks. He\u2019s been what the Lions have needed on the defensive line: a player opposite EDGE Aidan Hutchinson who can cause havoc and win one-on-ones.<\/p>\n
Sure, he isn\u2019t a superstar, but he\u2019s playing well and has been a big boost for this Lions pass rush. Hutchinson on the edge and defensive tackle Alim McNeill were once the focus of opposing offenses, but with Wonnum now on the other end, teams have to start respecting him enough and not devote all their resources toward Hutchinson and McNeill.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve seen McNeill get 3.5 sacks in five games this season, and Hutchinson has four of his own. Who\u2019s the leader of the group? Wonnum is now the leader with 5.0. Detroit has a pass rush now, and if the secondary can get figured out, uh-oh.<\/p>\n
Gotta give the secondary its props<\/p>\n
When the opening drive happened, I thought it would be a long day for the Lions\u2019 secondary. The Cardinals moved down the field with ease, and once again, the tight end position was off to a good start with a touchdown. Afterward, it was five straight three-and-outs, and secondary coverage was part of the reason. On the sixth drive, defensive back rookie Keith Abney II picked off a pass to end the half.<\/p>\n
Yes, the tight ends still had a strong game for Arizona, gathering 14 catches for 138 yards and three touchdowns. The secondary didn\u2019t play perfectly, but they made plays and forced incompletions when it mattered most. It was a step in the right direction, which is what this unit needed. You got to give them props for not folding after that first drive.<\/p>\n
After a month of struggles, allowing quarterbacks to have good games against them and offenses to move the ball with ease, the secondary showed up. Changes will be coming with Brian Branch returning soon\u2014and potentially safety Kerby Joseph\u2014so help is on the way. This is a sign things are going in the right direction, and with a bye week to keep tweaking and make it even better, this defense still has time to turn it around.<\/p>\n
Cade Mays, please come save the day<\/p>\n
Detroit\u2019s offensive line has been average to start the year, but Sunday was its worst look yet. The offense had a forgettable first quarter, but the line allowed three sacks. It\u2019s frustrating to see the Lions\u2019 offensive line struggle, but change is coming. Lions starting center Cade Mays is returning soon, with his practice window opening earlier in the week leading up to the game.<\/p>\n