The Detroit Lions have been decimated by injuries this season, but that has not stopped their defense from rising above expectations and being one of the best in the league. Detroit is tied for the 10th-fewest points allowed (21.6), but held a high-scoring Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense to nine points and only gave up 16 points in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, which is even more impressive considering just how depleted the Lions have been.
A major reason for that success has been the quality play from offseason acquisition Rock Ya-Sin, who has become a reliable defender in his backup role. As Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman noted, cornerback Terrion Arnold was one of three players not seen at Lions practice on Thursday, joining running back Sione Vaki, who was off to the side but suited up, and safety Kerby Joseph. If that is the case and Arnold is unable to suit up once again, Ya-Sin, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, has more opportunities to capitalize on his latest performance and prove that he deserves a big contract, either from the Lions or another team.
Lions CB Rock-Ya Sin's Future Keeps Getting Brighter
As someone who primarily played on special teams the last two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, there was not much expected out of the seventh-year player from Temple. According to Pro Football Focus, Ya-Sin has an overall grade of 63.2, good for 47th out of 108 qualified CBs in the league, and his 63.2 defensive grade and 65.7 coverage grades are higher than both Amik Robertson and Arnold.
Ya-Sin has been a key part of a Lions defense that has not been getting the help it deserves from head coach Dan Campbell, who continues to take unnecessary gambles on fourth down. In previous seasons with Campbell in charge, those calls were not as bold, considering the defensive struggles and the usually reliable offense. This season, though, the offense needs to start picking it up on its end to match what Ya-Sin and the defense have been doing.
Campbell noted on Wednesday that he is "hopeful" CB DJ Reed will return from his hamstring injury on Sunday against the New York Giants, meaning the Lions defense could receive a huge boost ahead of the stretch run. That is great news as Detroit looks to get healthy before a crucial Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Green Bay Packers, but it still should not diminish how well Ya-Sin has played on his one-year deal.
The Lions are currently sitting at 6-4, but the losses can be attributed more to the offense than the defense. Regardless of Ya-Sin's role on the team as key players make their return, it appears he will have another opportunity this weekend and potentially beyond to prove why he is deserving of a big contract. Whether that is with Detroit or somewhere else entirely remains to be seen.
More Detroit Lions News and Rumors: