Despite a mixed start to his rookie season, Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is confident about one thing.
“This defense is going to get me paid,” Arnold said on Thursday. “When you watch the tape, you see a rookie in tough spots, with the safety in the run fit and him on an island. Not many guys are doing that.”
The confident Arnold is tied for the seventh-most penalties in the NFL this season, with 10, and has given up three of the Lions’ seven passing touchdowns allowed, according to Pro Football Reference.
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Arnold has started all 10 games for the Lions at cornerback, opposite Carlton Davis III, and has often been tasked with covering the opposing team’s top receiver in a man-to-man defensive scheme that’s well-suited to his skill set.
Terrion Arnold has significantly improved, drawing just two defensive penalties in the last six games after picking up eight in the first four. His physical play and tight coverage have been key to the Lions’ defensive success, as they’ve gone six consecutive quarters without allowing a touchdown heading into their Sunday matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
“He’s improving every week,” said Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. “The one thing we wanted to focus on in practice was helping him avoid grabbing and holding penalties.”
“Listen, he’s a very aggressive player, and we play aggressively at the cornerback spot,” said Aaron Glenn. “We knew it would take some time for certain things to click, but he’s doing a great job of listening. We know there will be bumps along the way, but he’s improved a lot with his technique, and it’s really showing on the field.”
Terrion Arnold attributes his improvement to maintaining a steady, focused approach to his work every day. Despite early struggles, his confidence never faltered, and he believes he’s starting to earn more “NFL clout” from officials around the league.
“When I come in, the ref will say, ‘Hey, we watched the tape on you. You’re very sticky in coverage. We see it, we broke it down. Just at the top of the route, make sure you’re looking back for the ball,’” Arnold explained. “One ref even said, ‘People aren’t really used to this.’ They aren’t used to receivers getting right in your face and running the route for you. That happens sometimes, especially in press man coverage. It’s different from sitting back in zone and waiting for the quarterback to throw.”
The Lions, who lead the league in man coverage usage at over 40%, traded up to select Arnold with the 24th pick in the 2024 draft as the final piece of their revamped secondary.
Terrion Arnold praised the Lions’ secondary, calling it “the best in the NFL” and adding that it will only improve as he gains more experience.
“I mean, I’m 21 years old,” Arnold said. “Every time I watch tape, I’m like, ‘Okay, this guy’s 30, that guy’s 27, and I’m 21.’ When I’m 27, ooh, it’s gonna be a whole different level. I look at these guys and think, ‘Dang, he’s got three kids, and I’ve got a little sister.’ That’s the difference.”
Despite the significant progress he’s made, the Lions (9-1) will need more from Terrion Arnold as they head into the final stretch of the season.
With the front seven depleted by injuries—key players like Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes are likely out for the year, and Alex Anzalone will miss the remainder of the regular season with a broken forearm—Arnold’s role will be even more critical. He currently has a 94 passer rating against, according to Pro Football Reference. After facing the Colts on Sunday and the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving in a quick turnaround, the Lions will face four playoff contenders in the final five weeks, including a home game against MVP candidate Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
Terrion Arnold takes pride in the fact that he hasn’t allowed many big pass plays this season, giving up just 11 yards per completion and fewer than 3 yards after the catch. However, he’s also the only starter in the Lions’ secondary who hasn’t forced a turnover.
While his teammates have been productive in this area—Kerby Joseph leads the NFL with seven interceptions, Brian Branch has four picks, Carlton Davis had two interceptions in a game against the Houston Texans, and Amik Robertson forced two fumbles in a win over the Tennessee Titans—Arnold knows he still has room to improve in this aspect of his game.
Terrion Arnold isn’t worried about his interception-less start to the season, confident that his time to make plays will come.
“When my picks come, they’re going to come in bunches,” Arnold said Thursday. “I know what my job is, and I’ve never been one to seek validation from others. Some guys look for that praise, but I don’t need it. I know what I’m doing. When I’m out there on the back side by myself, it’s locked up.”