Two Detroit Lions defenders came out of Sunday’s win over the New York Jets with something more valuable than a good grade: more trust from Dan Campbell.
After re-watching the Lions’ 31-24 victory on Monday morning, Campbell made it clear that linebacker Trevor Nowaske and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw both did enough in expanded roles to keep earning snaps moving forward.
Nowaske’s case was the simpler one. He played in half of Detroit’s defensive snaps, more than any linebacker besides Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes, and he took over the spot previously held by Devin White. Campbell didn’t sound the least bit surprised by what he saw.
“Nowaske just does everything right. He just does,” Campbell said.
“He’s been doing that now 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 turned himself into a real solid player.
He just does things right, man. You know that whole thing that we talk about: be where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there?
That’s him. He’s exactly where he’s supposed to be when he’s supposed to be there.
He makes plays.”
That showed up in a red-zone sequence against the Jets. Geno Smith handed the ball to Breece Hall on the perimeter, and Nowaske was already in position to chase the play down for no gain.
“We gave him that rep in practice the other day-coaches did a great job-he yawned at it,” Campbell said. “And then when we get in the game, same thing. He doesn’t miss a beat.”
For a defense that had just dealt with missed assignments and run-fit issues against the Bills, Nowaske’s steady play mattered. Detroit limited New York to 58 rushing yards and 3.1 yards per carry after Buffalo had run for more than 200 yards.
“He’s going to continue to get opportunities because he’s earned that,” Campbell continued. “He’s a valuable special teams player for us, and there’s a role on defense where he can help us.”
Rakestraw’s night was more situational, but it still caught Campbell’s attention. When the Lions shifted into nickel looks, Roger McCreary moved inside and Rakestraw came on outside. According to PFF, the 2024 second-round pick allowed only one catch on four targets and broke up a pass against Jets No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson.
“Rakestraw, I thought, showed up,” Campbell said, unprompted. “He’s going to get more ops here.
I thought he showed up. That was promising.”
Campbell said the plan is to keep Rakestraw on the outside for now, though he didn’t close the door on giving him nickel reps later. His bigger point was that Rakestraw still has room to grow into a more regular role, especially after showing progress in camp before an ankle injury slowed him down late.
“I think Rake’s got a chance, man,” Campbell said. “He’s got the ability, and he wants to do it right.
He works at it, and I do. I think the more opportunities he gets, the better he’ll get.”
Both players now head into a tougher test against the Carolina Panthers, whose offense has been putting up numbers in a big way. Carolina is fifth in points scored at 29.7 per game and leads the league in passing yards per game at 295.7.
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