As the Detroit Lions emerge from their bye week, three players must significantly improve their on-field performance compared to what they’ve shown this season.

While an early bye week is often seen as unfavorable, it has proven beneficial for the Lions due to several key injuries in the first few games.

Head coach Dan Campbell emphasized that he views the bye week as a chance for self-evaluation and strategy refinement.

Improvement is crucial for the Lions, and while coaches can create favorable conditions for success, players ultimately need to execute effectively during games.

With this in mind, here are three Lions players who particularly need to enhance their performance after the break.

3. TE Sam LaPorta

Following a record-breaking rookie year, LaPorta has had a lackluster start this season, recording just 12 catches for 147 yards and no touchdowns.

However, he showed encouraging signs in Week 4 with four receptions for 53 yards, and his ankle injury from Week 3 didn’t appear to affect his performance, especially on one notable play.

Though Campbell mainly discussed Jahmyr Gibbs, he acknowledged LaPorta’s improvement as well.

“He’s coming on,” Campbell noted. “Both he and LaPorta looked like they were getting back to form.

They seemed healthier than they have since training camp, and they’re on the rise.”

LaPorta missed portions of training camp due to a hamstring issue and had an ankle injury in Week 3, making the bye week timely for his recovery.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is likely focusing on ways to incorporate LaPorta more into the offense moving forward.

2. CB Terrion Arnold

The Lions are allowing rookie cornerback Arnold the necessary time to adjust to his role, as there aren’t appealing alternatives for the starting position.

However, penalties have been a significant concern, with Arnold accruing eight penalties in just four games, including five for pass interference and two for defensive holding. Most of these infractions have resulted in points for the opposing team, and he has given up a league-high 118 penalty yards.

According to Pro Football Focus, Arnold has struggled, ranking as the 94th cornerback overall with a score of 47.6. His grades in coverage (48.8) and run defense (51.6) are below average.

Nonetheless, PFF noted that Arnold successfully limited Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to two catches on six targets in Week 3.

Moving forward, Arnold needs to address his penalty issues as the team resumes play.

It’s expected that the coaching staff will work with him on improving this aspect, and his aggressive play style must be managed to avoid repeating past mistakes that plagued the Lions’ cornerbacks in previous seasons.

1. DE Josh Paschal

In the wake of Marcus Davenport’s likely season-ending injury, both Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn highlighted Paschal as the player with the most potential to rise to the occasion.

In response, Paschal recorded a season-high 53 snaps against the Seahawks in Week 4, contributing two tackles.

Pro Football Focus credited him with three pressures and one hit on quarterback Geno Smith, leading to a season-best overall grade of 67.7.

He also had a notable play in coverage, effectively stopping a tight end screen.

Paschal doesn’t necessarily need to compile gaudy statistics to make a significant impact on the Lions’ defensive front.

Campbell praised his overall performance against Seattle, indicating that he brings valuable intangible qualities to the field.

However, it would be beneficial for Paschal to make more standout plays that can be easily recognized in real time.

He has developed a solid baseline for performance over the last few weeks, and with continued health, he needs to elevate his game further as the season progresses.

Paschal’s performance will be closely monitored, especially in relation to Aidan Hutchinson.

His effectiveness could influence whether the Lions will seek additional help at the edge rusher position before the trade deadline.

In summary, the Lions need these players—LaPorta, Arnold, and Paschal—to step up after the bye week.

Each has shown potential but must translate that into consistent, impactful performances as the season continues.

By addressing their individual challenges, they can contribute significantly to the team’s success.

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