Terrion Arnold had himself an impressive outing against Green Bay. The rookie Lions cornerback played a key role in Detroit’s home win on Thursday night, allowing just nine yards on two receptions versus the Packers’ passing attack.
It wasn’t a perfect game for the first-round rookie from Alabama. Arnold was guilty of a pass interference call that negated (and also caused) an interception. But he looked more than capable and confident in a critical late-season game against a very good division rival.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell noticed. In his first press conference since Thursday’s postgame address, Campbell praised Arnold’s performance.
“I thought that was Arnold’s best game of the season,” said Campbell as part of his opening statement.
Later in the press conference, Campbell was asked about Arnold’s progress through his rookie campaign.
“I think it’s just that we’re getting to that time of the year, and honestly, what happens with a lot of rookies, especially guys that you’re counting on, unfortunately, some of them start to take a nosedive because this is where their season begins as a dip down, it’s over. But then the other ones who hang in there, they really start taking flights.
What St. Brown did his rookie year, right, he started to take off once we hit November, December. He started to gain strength. (Penei) Sewell did the same thing, (Alim McNeill) Mac did the same thing, and I feel like that’s where Arnold’s at. He’s starting to push through this, and he’s gaining enough valuable reps (and) experience, he’s not letting the grind of the season weigh him down and he’s getting better.”