As they try to climb the NFC North standings, here is one player from each division rival Detroit Lions fans would certainly love to steal.
The Detroit Lions haven’t finished anywhere other than last in the NFC North since 2017. Their last division title was 1993, when it was called the NFC Central.
But the Lions are on a positive track, and with the Chicago Bears rebuilding under a new regime that run of seasons with Detroit in the division cellar could end in 2022.
Until they are knocked off the perch or Aaron Rodgers retires, the Green Bay Packers are the class of the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings, with a new regime in place too, could make a real run at the Packers this year. But let’s believe that when we start to see it.
The Lions have better talent on their roster than they did a year ago. But there aren’t any laurels to be rested on, until a consistent contender is in place.
With that sort of in mind, here is one player from each of the Detroit Lions’ division rivals fans would love to steal if they could.
1 player from each division rival Detroit Lions fans would love to steal
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers: S Adrian Amos
Tracy Walker is a fine player, but unless DeShon Ellliott or rookie Kerby Joseph asserts himself the other safety spot for the Lions doesn’t look formidable. Enter Amos, who’s legitimately one of the most underrated safeties in the NFL. Look at his production over the last three seasons.
2019: 84 total tackles (68 solo), two interceptions, eight pass breakups, one sack, 85.5 passer rating allowed
2020: 83 total tackles (65 solo), two interceptions, nine pass breakups, two sacks, 85.7 passer rating allowed
2021: 93 total tackles (75 solo), two interceptions, eight pass breakups, 101.4 passer rating allowed
Last year, via Pro Football Focus, Amos ranked sixth in missed tackle rate among 64 safeties who played at least half his team’s defensive snaps. PFF also ranked him No. 1 in its “all-around safety” tier heading into the 2022 season.
Adrian Amos has become one of the most underrated safeties in the league. While lacking splash plays, he is consistently in the right place at the right time and grades very well in all facets of the game. Amos has been the league’s best-graded safety over the past two seasons. Last year, his coverage and run-defense grades came in at 74.0 or better.
Amos is also on a nice contract, entering the final year of his four-year deal. Technically, with 2023 a void year (via Over The Cap), he has cap hits totaling a little over $15.2 million on the Packers’ books over the next two years.
Honorable Mentions: CB Jaire Alexander, OLB Rashan Gary, DT Kenny Clark