Lions to Play Amik Robertson More at Outside Corner, Scale Back Terrion Arnold’s Snaps
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard says the change rewards Robertson’s work to help rebuild Arnold’s confidence.
Overview
- Sheppard announced the rotation tweak Thursday, set to begin in the Week 4 game against Cleveland.
- Detroit’s frequent base-defense usage has limited Robertson’s opportunities, and coaches want his experience on the perimeter.
- Arnold’s early-season metrics have slid, with PFF logging a 72.6% completion rate against him, 11.0 yards per target, and a league-high yards allowed.
- Through three games, Arnold has 134 defensive snaps to Robertson’s 89, a gap the Lions intend to narrow.
- Coaches frame the shift as development-focused rather than punitive, noting Arnold’s youth, man-coverage demands, and a Week 1 groin issue as context.