The rookies for the Lions continue to make a name for themselves. A couple of them had some moments in Week 2 against the Buccaneers. How did they do? Let’s talk about it.
CB Terrion Arnold
Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (10) in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Terrion Arnold wasn’t picked on nearly as much in Week 2 as he was in Week 1. After seeing ten targets against the Rams, Arnold was targeted just twice against the Buccaneers. He allowed catches on both targets — Mike Evans on a hitch in the second quarter and then on a slant in the fourth quarter. Arnold had one tackle in 43 snaps as he continues to hold his own as Evans had just three catches for 42 yards in the game. However, you wonder if Arnold was supposed to have Chris Godwin on his touchdown.
DT Mekhi Wingo
Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) avoids a sack by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (94) in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo nearly had a sack of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. He worked a stunt with nose tackle D.J. Reader that looked to have worked, as Wingo had the A gap wide open. A last-minute block by Bucs center Graham Barton and a quick evade by Mayfield kept Wingo from the sack and Mayfield scrambled up the middle for 12 yards. Wingo also nearly had a sack on Godwin’s touchdown. He had a nice bullrush against Bucs guard Cody Mauch but Mayfield got the ball out just in time.
LS Hogan Hatten
Detroit Lions long snapper Hogan Hatten (49) practices during rookie minicamp at Detroit Lions headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Some love to the long snapper, Hogan Hatten. The Lions punted just twice against the Buccaneers. Punter Jack Fox had 67 total yards on his two punts, both landing inside the 20.
CB Ennis Rakestraw
Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (15), left, talks to defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo (94) was they walk off the field after 24-17 win over Pittsburgh Steelers at a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Rakestraw unfortunately injured himself in pre-game warmups and was a last-minute scratch from the game. Dan Campbell said after the game that it was a hamstring for Rakestraw.
S Loren Strickland
Detroit Lions safety Loren Strickland (48) practices during OTAs at Detroit Lions headquarters and practice facility in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Strickland only played five reps on punt return blocking duty and did not make the stat sheet.