In his first game with the Detroit Lions against Jacksonville, Za’Darius Smith played 37 snaps, showing promise as a new addition to the team. Heading into the Week 12 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, it’s likely that Smith will have an even larger role. Even when inactive for the Texans game, Smith’s impact was felt as he motivated teammates on the sideline. During his Week 11 debut, he recorded a half-sack, showcasing both his skill and his fit within the team’s defensive culture.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn expressed excitement about Smith’s potential, noting his strong, physical style of play. “His energy and personality are off the charts, and he fits perfectly with the team’s ethos,” Glenn said. “We’re looking forward to getting him more involved and seeing what he can do as a primary edge rusher.”
Meanwhile, defensive tackle Brodric Martin, who was activated from injured reserve this week, could make his first appearance of the season against the Colts. The 2023 third-round pick earned Scout Team Player of the Week honors after impressing in practice, and his coaches are optimistic about his development. Glenn highlighted Martin’s solid performance, saying, “He’s earning his keep by consistently impressing, and once he’s ready, we’ll give him a chance to compete on game day.”
At quarterback, Hendon Hooker has had the chance to see some action in blowout wins this season. The backup has completed six of nine passes for 62 yards in his limited appearances. After missing all of last season due to a knee injury, the former Tennessee star is gaining valuable experience. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson praised Hooker’s growth, acknowledging the importance of these in-game reps for his long-term development. “The game action is invaluable for him,” Johnson said. “We’ve seen steady improvement, and we’ll continue to balance his opportunities with respect to the competition.”
The Lions’ defense will face a tough challenge in Indianapolis this Sunday, especially against the dynamic play of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson, known for his mobility, returned to the starting lineup last week and led the Colts to a victory over the Jets, throwing for 272 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing touchdowns. Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted Richardson’s improvement, emphasizing how the Colts have unleashed his full potential.
Campbell also acknowledged the risks of relying too heavily on Richardson’s rushing ability, given his physicality and ability to stiff-arm defenders, making him a difficult player to contain. Detroit’s defense will need to limit his impact as both a passer and a rusher, while also accounting for running back Jonathan Taylor.
Another area of focus for the Lions has been the NFL’s new kickoff rule, which has been in effect for over half a season now. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp explained that teams are weighing the risks and rewards of different strategies. Some teams opt to kick into the end zone for a touchback, while others try to pin the opponent deep, balancing the potential for big returns with the risk of giving up explosive plays. Fipp believes the rule is beneficial, but acknowledged the importance of making smart decisions based on the situation.
Finally, with the Lions playing most of their home games indoors, they will still face challenges in outdoor games, including a December matchup in Chicago. Fipp discussed the importance of preparing for potential weather conditions in those games, especially if Detroit ends up playing outdoors in the playoffs. The team has made adjustments this season to improve their performance in such scenarios, focusing on making calculated decisions during games in outdoor environments.
