Detroit Lions veteran is proving everyone wrong about him, and he's being rewarded with an expanded role for it
Detroit Lions veteran is proving everyone wrong about him, and he's being rewarded with an expanded role
I swear to you, I've typed the words edge rusher 750 times in the last few months alone. I wish I could actually count. My favorite time to do it is when it's for a good reason, and this one is. The Detroit Lions are coming off a big win over the Chicago Bears, and they were able to bring pressure and get home for the first time this season. One player who really stood out caught the eye of coaches, and now he's going to get more opportunities going forward.
Al-Quadin Muhammad is set to get an expanded role on the Lions' defense
Muhammad had a great game against the Bears on Sunday. In the times when Marcus Davenport was injured, Muhammad came in and played 36 snaps and put up three pressures and a sack. While it was less noticeable, he had a pressure and a quarterback hit against the Packers in Week 1, too. Muhammad is showing what he can do week to week. Because of that, he's going to get an expanded role on the Lions' defense.
"He had a really good camp, and he just continues to do things for us. He's crafty, he's strong, he's got some explosiveness, and, man, he plays hard. God plays hard." Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Monday. "I mean, there was a number of plays I can think of three right now where he's running out of the stack. He's running out of balls thrown screen and, I mean, he is running to try to get the ball or making a tackle. And it's that kind of effort with what he's got, ability-wise, it gives you a chance. He's been big for us, and he's going to get more of a role. He's earned that."
It's been such a stark difference from what was expected for Muhammad when he got here last year. When I asked Colts beat writer Destin Adams about him after he signed, Adams said right out front that if the Lions were hoping for pass rush from him, they might be disappointed, but that he was strong against the run in Indianapolis.
Adams was right on the latter part of that. Muhammad has been a great run defender in Detroit. But he's also shown to be a strong pass rusher. Perhaps he just didn't get to show that with the Colts. He showed in 2024 and the Lions brought him back, and now he might have a chance to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson against the Ravens since the Lions are waiting to hear what the word is on Davenport.
Let's see what he can do against a Ravens offensive line that struggled against the Browns defense on Sunday, despite their win, saying otherwise.
Jadeveon Clowney reveals ‘prime time’ reason for signing with the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been under a massive microscope recently after they traded away Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. They still need help on defense, especially up front, so they signed Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal for added help along the defensive line. The fit makes sense for both parties, allowing Clowney a chance to shine for the biggest team in the NFL.
Jadeveon Clowney told Dallas Cowboys reporter Tommy Yarrish for DallasCowboys.com that despite his age, he still has a lot left in the tank, and the Cowboys offer him the best chance to prove himself on the biggest stage in the NFL.
Clowney said, “I’ve got seven prime time games to prove it and show the world. So that’s my whole thought when coming down here. I get to play prime time and put myself out there again.”
His excitement about joining the organization is palpable. In his first interview with the team, he was grinning from ear to ear.
“Growing up, all I heard about were the Cowboys, all my life,” he told Nicole Hutchison of DallasCowboys.com. “All my family, and the rivalries and stuff, so to be here playing for the Cowboys — I'm looking forward to it, and it's exciting, man.
“I'm excited for the opportunity to get back to playing.”
It is worth noting that Clowney's best skill is rushing the passer. After he finished with 9.5 sacks in 2023, he still finished with 5.5 sacks in 2024, despite having to do more in the coverage game when he was with the Carolina Panthers.
That was part of the big pitch of new head coach Brian Scottenheimer and new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. They told him that he would not have to drop back much, and that was a massive selling point because it is what he excels at the most.
“I go forward,” Clowney said. “Last year, I did a lot of dropping, and that's not my strong suit — covering. I mean, of course not. When you're big, you go forward. When I came here, [defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus] said, ‘You probably won't drop [any].'
“I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I'm looking forward to that.' I get to go
