The Detroit Lions did more than rebound with a 45-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Rookie cornerback Keith Abney II made his first career start at safety, played 59 snaps, recorded six tackles and an interception and helped Detroit’s reworked secondary settle in after allowing an opening-drive touchdown.
Locked On Lions host Matt Dery highlighted the unexpected switch after reviewing the snap counts, noting that safety Christian Izien did not play on defense. Abney also received a game ball after a debut at a position he had not played in an NFL game.
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s adjustment came after a difficult first month for the defense. Detroit had used Abney primarily at cornerback and nickel before giving him a larger safety role against Arizona, where the defense shifted toward more man coverage and forced five three-and-outs after the Cardinals’ first possession.
Abney’s interception ended Arizona’s first-half scoring threat and his tackling helped the Lions limit the Cardinals to 56 rushing yards. The result does not erase the problems that surfaced in the loss to Carolina, but it gives the coaching staff evidence that Abney can move among outside corner, slot corner and safety assignments.
That flexibility could matter when Detroit returns from its bye. Safety Brian Branch (Achilles) has practiced after beginning the season on the physically unable to perform list, and the Lions have targeted their Oct. 25 home game against the Green Bay Packers as a possible return date. Abney’s performance gives Sheppard a way to add Branch without abandoning the personnel wrinkle that worked in Arizona.
The Lions enter their Week 6 bye at 3-2 before hosting Green Bay on Oct. 25. Abney’s 59-snap audition gives Detroit two weeks to decide whether the safety look should remain part of the plan for Jordan Love and the Packers’ passing game.
Lions News and Notes
– Wide receiver and returner Tom Kennedy (knee) will miss the rest of the season and undergo surgery, Dery reported. His absence leaves Detroit needing a regular punt returner; Amon-Ra St. Brown handled the job late against Arizona, but the Lions do not appear to view that as a long-term solution.
– Linebacker Devin White suffered a broken forearm against the Cardinals and is expected to require surgery. The injury removes a veteran option from Detroit’s linebacker rotation as it uses the bye to prepare for Green Bay.
Detroit Lions Essentials
- 5 Best Lions Quarterbacks of All Time
- 5 Best Lions Running Backs of All Time
- 5 Best Lions Wide Receivers of All Time
- NFL’s Richest Owners: Where Does the Ford Family Rank?
Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
