With regard to their edge rushers, the Detroit Lions are in a difficult situation. In order to help cope with the loss of Aidan Hutchinson, everyone is anticipating whether and when the Lions will make a deal. The Lions did, however, add a player just prior to Hutchinson’s injury, and he had a stealthy strong Lions debut on Sunday.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has spoken frequently about veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad since the team added him to their practice squad a few weeks ago. Here are his remarks from last Friday regarding Muhammad.
Yes, you don’t need to be concerned about a man who is violent, nasty, or strong while playing the game. In addition to being competitive, a finisher, and possessing some rush ability, he will play hard and set an edge. He’s more of a push-the-pocket guy who then capitalizes on it, but it’s more about him taking on some of the grunt work and being a “bring your lunch pail, bring your hard hat” kind of guy. We basically only need him to deliver a good day’s work, which is what we’re hoping for.
Muhammad undoubtedly shown on Sunday that the Lions don’t need to be concerned about him on the field. He led the Lions in pressures on Sunday, but he didn’t really show up on the box score in terms of sacks or tackles. In this game, he recorded six pressures and six hurries. For a squad that needs all the assistance they can get in this area, that is a big deal.
Even though Muhammad and Levi Onwuzurkie combined for 11 pressures, the Lions still need an edge rusher who can take over a game. For this reason, they must locate one quickly. However, we discovered on Sunday that Muhammad appears to be one of the pieces the Lions may have to assist create the pressures Hutchinson was able to create. Don’t be shocked if he joins the 53-man roster or if we see him muc
h more.
