With just one preseason game remaining, the Detroit Lions will take on the Indianapolis Colts this Saturday at 1 p.m. Before we dive into that matchup, let’s wrap up our look at the Lions’ PFF grades from their 17-13 victory over the Washington Commanders and examine how the linebackers performed.
Linebackers
Starting with the highest grade, undrafted free agent Erick Hunter made a massive play to end the game, recovering a fumble on the kickoff that helped seal the victory for Detroit. Although Hunter played just six snaps, he posted an impressive 87.0 defensive grade.
The next-highest grade belonged to Malcolm Rodriguez, who played 19 snaps and earned a 72.6 overall defensive grade. Rodriguez also posted a 68.2 run-defense grade, 77.0 tackling grade, 68.9 pass-rush grade and 66.1 coverage grade. He recorded one quarterback hit and one tackle while allowing just one catch for 10 yards.
Trevor Nowaske was next, playing 19 snaps and earning a 75.6 overall defensive grade. He recorded a 79.3 run-defense grade, 74.6 tackling grade and 51.9 pass-rush grade. Nowaske finished the game with two tackles.
Former Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie played 11 snaps and posted a 74.6 overall defensive grade. He also recorded one tackle.
Devin White saw the most action of any Lions linebacker, playing 23 snaps. White earned a 64.4 overall defensive grade, along with a 53.1 run-defense grade and an impressive 90.6 pass-rush grade. However, his 34.8 tackling grade was a major concern.
White recorded two quarterback pressures and three tackles, but he also missed one tackle, which likely contributed to his poor tackling grade.
Troy Reeder and newly signed Amen Ogbongbemiga each played just six snaps. Reeder earned a 62.9 overall defensive grade, while Ogbongbemiga finished slightly ahead with a 63.2 defensive grade.
Derrick Barnes was the final linebacker to see action, playing 20 snaps in his first preseason appearance of the year. Barnes earned a 58.5 overall defensive grade, along with a 65.9 run-defense grade and a 53.0 coverage grade. He did not record a tackle and surrendered one catch for 13 yards.
With just one preseason game remaining, we are starting to get a clearer picture of which linebackers are separating themselves from the pack and which players are seeing their stock fall.
Overall, it appears Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are in position to be the starters, but don’t count out Devin White. White has been pushing Barnes for playing time and has shown flashes that could make the linebacker competition worth watching as the regular season approaches.
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