The Detroit Lions made some personnel changes for their Week 3 game against the New York Jets, and a pair of them got more playing time at forward after putting in strong performances.
Lions coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media Monday morning following his replay of the team’s 31-24 victory over the Jets, and he noted that both linebacker Trevor Nowaske and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw played well in their expanded roles Sunday to get more time on the field.
Nowaske played half the defensive snaps—more than any linebacker not named Jack Campbell or Derrick Barnes, usurping the role from Devin White—and Dan Campbell made it abundantly clear why.
“Nowaske just does everything right. He just does,” Campbell said. “He’s been doing that for a while, came in, had a really good camp, and he’s a very disciplined player. He’s grown a ton since he’s been here, and just made himself a real solid player. He’s doing things right, man. You know the whole thing we talk about: where you’re supposed to be where he’s supposed to be when he’s supposed to be there? He’s there.
Nowaske’s discipline was on full display against the Jets. Campbell directed a red zone play, where Geno Smith set it up with the speedy and elusive Breece Hall, and Nowaske was ready for the perimeter run play. He chased after Hall to no avail.
“We gave him that rep in practice the other day—the coaches did a great job—he yawned at it,” Campbell said. “And when we get in the game, it’s the same. He doesn’t miss a beat.”
With so many missed assignments and failed runs against the Bills, Nowaske brought assignment-sound play that helped the Lions hold the Jets to 58 rushing yards and just 3.1 yards per carry after Buffalo rushed for over 200 yards.
“He’s going to continue to get opportunities because he’s got them,” Campbell continued. “He’s a key special teams player for us, and there’s a role on defense where he can help us.”
As for Rakestraw, the Lions’ 2024 second-round pick is in play in the situation against the Jets. When the Lions switched to nickel sets, they kicked Roger McCreary inside and brought in Rakestraw to play outside. Per PFF, Rakestraw allowed just one catch on four targets, and he had an impressive pass breakup against Jets No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson.
“Rakestraw, I thought, showed up,” said Campbell, speechless. “He’s going to have more ops here. I thought he showed up. That’s promising.”
When asked about how they could expand Rakestraw’s role, he said the plan is to keep him on the outside anyway, but he wouldn’t rule out eventually giving him reps in the nickel as well. Ultimately, he just believes that because Rakestraw hasn’t gotten a ton of playing time yet, he still has a chance to blossom into a valuable, regular contributor. He was even encouraged by some of the growth Rakestraw showed through training camp, before an ankle injury sidelined him late.
“I think Rake has a chance,” Campbell said. “He’s got the ability, and he wants to do it right. He’s doing it, and I’m doing it. I think the more opportunities he gets, the better he’s going to get.”
This week, both players will have their hands full with a Carolina Panthers offense that has exploded at times this year. They are currently fifth in points scored, averaging 29.7 points per game and lead the league in passing yards per game (295.7).