Unsung Hero: Romeo Okwara 'Wants to Be Great'

Read more on what Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia feels about the play of defensive end Romeo Okwara

Romeo Okwara is quietly becoming one of the most productive members of the Detroit Lions' defensive line. 

On Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, Okwara forced a turnover with a little over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, when he strip-sacked quarterback Matt Ryan. 

Trey Flowers recovered, and Detroit was subsequently able to take a 16-14 lead. 

Head coach Matt Patricia explained in his postgame media session that Okwara and Flowers spend extra time at the Allen Park practice working on technique and talking about the game of football. 

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

"I think Romeo has been unbelievable. Really, he and Trey Flowers are two guys that come to work every single day, and they make each other better.

"They really spend a lot of time together talking about the game and techniques and how they practice," Patricia said. "They stay after practice a lot, and they work on just fundamental skills and stuff like that. I think you can just see the growth that Romeo has had. Certainly, just being out there and playing and getting better every single week. But, it's not a surprise because he works really hard. This guy works extremely hard. He wants to be great. He and Trey, they do an unbelievable job every single day. I'm glad for him, happy for him. Give them all the credit. And he made some big plays. It was great."

More from SI All Lions:

Lions Win Wild Defensive Battle, Defeat Atlanta Falcons, 23-22

Report: D'Andre Swift to Have 'Expanded Role' against Falcons

Week 7 Inactives: Bo Scarbrough Inactive, Mike Ford Active

Predictions: Lions-Falcons

Pros and Cons of Trading for Jets Defensive End Quinnen Williams

Why Lions' Secondary Must Play Zone Defense

Get the latest Detroit Lions news by joining our community. Click "Follow" at the top right of our SI All Lions page. Mobile users click the notification bell. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @DetroitPodcast.