The Opening Drive 9/27: Lions' Cornerback Shake-Up Creates Potential Area of Focus for Browns' Offense
Lions' cornerback Terrion Arnold's struggles present an opportunity for the Browns.
On Wednesday, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell disclosed that the team intends to make some changes regarding their cornerback position. In discussing the early challenges faced by second-year cornerback Terrion Arnold, Campbell noted that starting nickel Amik Robertson could potentially reduce Arnold’s playing time in the upcoming game with the Cleveland Browns.
“And, look, we’ll probably use Amik on some stuff, too. Amik’s a good player. So we’re going to mix it up a little bit,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket.
The Browns should be hyper-aware of exactly how the Lions choose to mix things up between Arnold and Robertson. Arnold, left alone on an island, should be something the Browns are looking to target and exploit. I would even advocate the testing of both young corners if Detroit wants to play a lot of base defense and leave one of them alone on the outside.
Below you’ll find the latest in the BFB catalog for supporters to dig into. Click the link to become a supporter if you haven’t already, and enjoy all the latest from Browns Film Breakdown.
What’s Going On at Browns Film Breakdown
Latest Podcasts:
Latest from Berea, Interview with Matt Waldman on Browns Rookies
Week 4 Berea Updates, and “Behind Enemy Lines” with Jeff Risdon
Latest Film Rooms:
Latest Articles:
Opening Drive 9/25: Analysis of Browns Broken Downfield Passing Game
Opening Drive 9/24: Myles Leadership, and “Things I Think I Know” Week 3
On Thursday, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard effectively affirmed the alteration in personnel. He stressed that the shift is primarily about maximizing Robertson’s playing time rather than addressing any of Arnold’s issues in coverage.
It seems that a major factor in making this decision is the Lions’ frequent utilization of base defense. When the Lions play their base defense, it takes the nickel cornerback off the field, which is where Robertson has been playing. This trend has significantly limited Robertson’s playing time, participating in only 51 percent of defensive snaps this season.
Sheppard was quick to support his young cornerback, talking about how the Lions’ defense emphasizes shutting down the run, often deploying their safeties to play a key role up in the box. Their cornerbacks are often left in the precarious position of defending an outside receiver without any over-the-top support.
“Has nothing to do with Terrion’s play or performance. Let me start there,” Sheppard said. “Amik has always earned his keep with me. Saw it last year. That’s a player that’s earned the right to be on the field. And just with the frequency of base defense that we’re playing right now, he’s losing snaps. And, to be honest, he’s earned more than what he’s got so far. So we were doing this regardless.”
The Browns will focus their attention to where Arnold is so that they can look for mismatches against a player who has been struggling, and focus on how the Lions are defending the Browns’ receivers when left alone on one side. That will be an intriguing part of the chess match come Sunday.
If you’re not subscribed over there, rectify that—the Opening Drive remains free, but there’s more quality content previewing the college football weekend and Week 4 in the NFL. If you’re not with us in a supporter capacity, you’ll want to rectify that as well so you don’t miss any of the key content coming this week. Also, tell a Browns fan in your life about the miracles happening at Browns Film Breakdown. We appreciate all of you.
Browns Film Breakdown will return later today with some fresh content.
