Al-Quadin Muhammad has stepped up impressively, providing a reliable and effective presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive front.

Through four games, Muhammad has tallied 3.5 sacks. The 30-year-old edge defender has more than made up for the absence left by Marcus Davenport’s placement on injured reserve.

On this week’s episode of MLive’s Dungeon of Doom podcast, hosts Kory Woods and Ben Raven opened the mailbag to answer fan questions, spending much of their time dissecting Muhammad’s rise.

One fan asked, “Is Muhammad a flash in the pan, or is he the long-term solution?”

Raven offered a measured take, suggesting Muhammad is the right answer for this season, though future roster discussions will likely include more debate and mock drafts focused on the edge position.

“I think he is the answer,” Woods countered. “Honestly, I do. He’s shown a real intensity and aggressiveness off the edge. He’s a high-motor guy, and with Hutchinson drawing so much attention, Muhammad is bursting free and getting after the quarterback.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Muhammad ranks as the 10th-best edge rusher in the NFL after four weeks. Hutchinson sits tied for second overall, with 23 total quarterback pressures to his name.

Davenport’s injury is not believed to be season-ending. He’s expected to miss at least two more games and could return after Detroit’s Week 8 bye.

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard seems confident that Muhammad is the right fit alongside Hutchinson, at least for now.

“I was going to say, I think we all know we’ve found our guy opposite Hutch,” Sheppard said. “I think it’s fair to say Muhammad is that guy—not just another body in rotation. He’s been outstanding.”