The Detroit Lions have reached a critical point in their season. After dropping a high-scoring 41–34 contest to the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit no longer has margin for error. To keep postseason hopes alive, the Lions must win out, and even then, help from around the league will be required. As things stand, Detroit sits just outside the playoff picture as the No. 8 seed, carrying roughly a 40 percent chance to qualify according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
A major concern coming out of the Rams loss was the breakdown of Detroit’s pass defense. Former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford carved up the secondary, finishing with 368 yards and two touchdowns through the air. That performance continued a troubling trend. After holding opponents under 300 passing yards for most of the year, Detroit has now surrendered nearly 329 passing yards per game over its last four matchups, with three quarterbacks eclipsing the 300-yard mark.
One of the biggest contributors to those struggles has been cornerback D.J. Reed, whose play has dipped noticeably since returning from injury.
Reed’s Performance Has Slipped at the Worst Possible Time
Over his last three appearances, Reed has had a difficult stretch. Opposing quarterbacks have targeted him frequently, resulting in 17 completions for 272 yards and a touchdown, along with four penalties assessed against him. Given how battered Detroit’s defense already is, the Lions can’t afford continued inconsistency from a player expected to stabilize the secondary.
Reed arrived in Detroit with high expectations after being signed in the offseason, with many projecting him as the perfect complement to rookie first-round pick Terrion Arnold. Unfortunately, injuries have prevented that duo from building chemistry, as the two have shared the field in only five games so far.
When Arnold has been available, Reed has looked far more comfortable. In those games, he’s allowed just 11 catches on 18 targets for 136 yards. Without Arnold, however, Reed’s numbers take a sharp turn, as he’s given up 13 receptions for 227 yards while struggling to hold up as the team’s primary cover man.
CB1 Responsibilities Have Exposed Reed’s Weaknesses
In Arnold’s absence, Reed has been asked to shadow opposing No. 1 receivers, a role that has proven overwhelming. Matchups against elite talents like CeeDee Lamb and Puka Nacua have gone poorly, with Reed frequently losing ground and giving up chunk plays.
While facing top-tier receivers is no easy assignment, Reed’s inability to limit damage has made him a liability in coverage. For a team fighting to stay alive in the playoff race, Detroit desperately needs him to regain form and provide reliable snaps at the top of the depth chart.
Lions Lack Viable Alternatives in the Secondary
Detroit’s options behind Reed are limited. The secondary is already depleted, with four defensive backs currently sidelined on injured reserve. Amik Robertson and Rock Ya-Sin have been pressed into larger roles, but neither has made a compelling case to replace Reed as the lead corner.
Robertson has struggled significantly, surrendering 22 catches on 33 targets over the last three games. Ya-Sin has flashed at times but hasn’t consistently disrupted passes, recording just one breakup since Week 6. Meanwhile, depth pieces Avonte Maddox and Khalil Dorsey have seen minimal action and haven’t produced enough to inspire confidence.
With challenging matchups looming against receivers such as DK Metcalf, Justin Jefferson, and Rome Odunze, Detroit has few realistic answers. Shuffling assignments may only create new problems rather than solve existing ones.
Ultimately, the Lions’ best hope is that Reed can reverse his downward trend and deliver dependable performances down the stretch. If the front seven can generate steady pressure and help shorten coverage windows, it could ease the burden on a secondary that has little room left for mistakes.
