Just days before kickoff, the NFL and the Detroit Lions revealed that defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad has earned the honor of NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 14, marking one of the most impressive individual performances of Detroit’s 2025 season.
Muhammad secured the award after delivering a breakout game in the Lions’ crucial victory over the Dallas Cowboys, a matchup that helped keep Detroit firmly in the NFC playoff race. The veteran pass rusher recorded three sacks, consistently overpowering Dallas’ offensive line and creating pressure that disrupted the Cowboys’ offensive rhythm from start to finish. His impact wasn’t limited to the stat sheet—Muhammad’s presence forced hurried throws, stalled drives, and set the tone for a defense that needed a spark with multiple starters injured.
His three-sack explosion pushed him to a team-leading nine sacks on the season, further establishing himself as one of the Lions’ most reliable and productive defenders. The performance also continues a season-long trend of individual excellence coming out of Detroit. Muhammad now joins Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff as recent Lions players to earn weekly NFL honors, underscoring how much high-level talent the roster is showcasing during its push toward the postseason.
The recognition is especially significant for Muhammad, who entered the season as an underrated veteran presence but has steadily climbed into a premier role along Detroit’s defensive front. His ability to win one-on-one matchups, collapse pockets, and create momentum-shifting plays has made him a key figure in coordinator Aaron Glenn’s defensive strategy.
As the Lions prepare for their upcoming matchup, the timing of Muhammad’s award adds confidence and energy to a team that has battled through adversity. Detroit’s defense has struggled with depth at times, but performances like Muhammad’s show that the group still has enough firepower to help carry the Lions through December.
With the playoff race tightening, Muhammad’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better moment. His award-winning performance sends a clear message: Detroit’s defense is heating up at exactly the right time.
