Podcast: What Is Going On With Isaiah Buggs?
The Detroit Lions are planning to provide several players an opportunity to step up and fill in for injured defensive tackle Alim McNeill.
"It's a huge loss," Isaiah Buggs told All Lions after practice Wednesday. "But you know, we got guys here that have got to step up as a whole unit, a whole front. We got to be collectively and fundamentally sound. It's going to have to be a team effort to to replace Mack. Such a special person and a player that has came a long way. So, we are going to have to buy-in together as a defensive unit to fill his bar."
Among players supporters have been clamoring to play more is the ex-Steeler defensive lineman.
While the 27-year-old has seen his playing time reduced this season, there are still opportunities over the course of the final five games to showcase to his coaches why he deserves more playing time.
When asked what Buggs needed to show the coaching staff this week to have more opportunities to get out on the field, Dan Campbell expressed, "Just be reliable. Reliable, dependable, do your job, be consistent.”
While waiting for his next opportunity, Buggs is aware of the importance of practice and continuing to improve and perform consistently.
"It's an opportunity that I got to fulfill and that we got to fulfill as a unit up front," Buggs said. So like I said, every opportunity, every chance that I get and we get, we got to make it the best of our ability."
The coaching staff has repeatedly indicated that playing time is earned, and Buggs is likely behind Quinton Bohanna, Benito Jones and Levi Onwuzurike on the depth chart.
This week's podcast episode discusses the loss of McNeill and examining the options Detroit's defense to replace a talented defensive tackle.
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