Twentyman: Lions’ secondary showed progress vs. Jets but must create more takeaways
Tim Twentyman, the Detroit Lions’ senior writer, wrote that the team’s secondary displayed clearer coverage against the New York Jets but must turn improved positioning into takeaways. He noted Jets quarterback Geno Smith still finished with 320 yards and three touchdowns, and that Detroit defenders were placed better to make plays even though receivers often came down with the ball. Smith produced a 21.1 completion percentage over expected Sunday, a sign the Lions put defenders in position to make plays. Twentyman said the group now must convert those opportunities into interceptions and forced turnovers.
Twentyman said linebacker Jack Campbell, who joined the league in 2024, has struggled early this season as he adjusts to Detroit’s heavier use of zone coverage. Pro Football Focus gave Campbell a 44.2 overall grade through three games, the lowest mark of his career, and his tackle totals have fallen from earlier expectations. Opponents have completed 12 of 14 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns when targeting Campbell, producing a 149.4 passer rating, and Twentyman said that has shown up mainly against tight ends. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, according to Twentyman, did not seem overly concerned about Campbell’s progress.
On the depth chart, Twentyman wrote that Trevor Nowaske is likely to draw more snaps than rookie Jimmy Rolder for the time being because coaches trust Nowaske’s consistency and alignment. Lions coach Dan Campbell praised Nowaske, saying, “Nowaske just does everything right,” and added that Nowaske is where he is supposed to be when he is supposed to be there. Nowaske’s speed and athleticism give the staff confidence to play him more while Rolder continues to develop. Rolder missed nearly all of training camp with a hamstring injury, and Twentyman said the team expects his role to grow as he gains experience.
Twentyman also examined the edge rotation and the impact of veteran DJ Wonnum on that group. Wonnum produced two sacks against the Jets and has posted multiple eight-sack seasons in his career, and Twentyman said he fits the scheme and understands the rush plan. Wonnum missed a Wednesday practice with a back issue but was a full participant Thursday, and Twentyman added that if Wonnum cannot play, second-round rookie Derrick Moore could be asked to step up. Moore has played 44 defensive snaps this season but has yet to record a statistic, and Twentyman said the rookie remains a work in progress.
Looking ahead to Sunday night in Carolina, Twentyman judged the matchup as favorable for Detroit’s offense given the Panthers are missing starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. He noted veteran quarterback Jared Goff has thrown eight touchdown passes and no interceptions through three games while taking what the defense gives him and relying on after-the-catch playmakers. The Lions have scored 31 points in each of their first three games, and Twentyman said Detroit plans to establish the run against a Panthers defense ranked 32nd against the run, allowing 193.3 rushing yards per game and 5.7 yards per carry. He added that weather in Charlotte, with rain expected Sunday night, could influence play-calling and limit explosive plays.
Twentyman addressed trade-market activity, reporting that the Lions made inquiries about cornerback Joey Porter Jr. before Porter was traded Wednesday night to Dallas for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. He wrote that Porter will likely need a long-term extension after this season, with estimates in the range of four years and $27 million to $32 million per season, and that general manager Brad Holmes and his staff place value on their internal assessments when weighing deals. Twentyman said Detroit set firm values on what it would give up and did not extend beyond those parameters, and he added that Dallas met a higher asking price in the Porter deal. He also wrote that Holmes and the Lions remain open to looking for ways to improve the roster before the trade deadline.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Lions have improved alignment and coverage through three games, but the next measurable step is forcing turnovers rather than merely being in position. Campbell’s drop in analytics and the team’s shift to more zone coverage suggest coaches must help him translate positioning into pass breakups and interceptions. On the edge, DJ Wonnum’s availability stabilizes an effective pass-rush group, and Detroit’s depth looks promising but still raw with young players such as Derrick Moore and Jimmy Rolder needing opportunities to grow. Offensively, the matchup against a Carolina run defense that has yielded big rushing numbers gives Detroit a clear plan to use the run to create play-action and stress the Panthers’ secondary, with weather a possible factor in how the game unfolds.