Inside the Play: Tracy Walker Delivers Tone-Setting Hit

Tracy Walker reacts to big hit levied against Chris Godwin.

The Detroit Lions have repeatedly declared their defensive identity to be "violence."

Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a couple of plays embodied the rugged, physical nature of Dan Campbell's squad. 

After running back Craig Reynolds sent Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III flying to the ground on Amon-Ra St. Brown's touchdown reception, safety Tracy Walker delivered one of the biggest hits of the season. 

Walker, who has stepped in admirably for the injured C.J. Gardner-Johnson, delivered a statement, when he levied a massive hit on Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin late in the game.  

Detroit's starting safety explained how the play developed from his perspective, and provided his reaction to a statement play that excited his teammates and the coaching staff. 

“It was two-by-two, and then I knew for a fact, all week, that's when Chris Godwin and Mike Evans lined up in the slot in two-by-two, they always run the option routes," Walker explained to All Lions. "So literally, they ran the option routes. He came right into me thinking he was man-to-man on Anzo (Alex Anzalone), and I came down and made a play.”

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The quick recognition and instinctual awareness of how the play was going to develop allowed the veteran safety to take advantage. 

“Yes, definitely, and I capitalized. It felt great. I love making those statement type hits and getting my defense going," Walker said. "So, it got them rowdy, it established a little bit of fear on the other side of the ball. It was a great thing to be a part of.”

Immediately after the hit, an official did throw out a flag, which initially upset supporters and confused the talented defensive back. 

“Yeah, I was just like, ‘What is he calling the flag for?’ It was completely legal," Walker noted. "But then, he picked it up, so I was like, ‘Alright, cool.’”

The 28-year-old's tone-setting hit is indicative of the style of defense Aaron Glenn has instilled in the team over the past couple of seasons. 

“I lit him up, I lit him up," Walker expressed. "And, it definitely set the tone. That’s what we’re about. That’s what this team is about. Hitting you in the mouth.”