Terrion Arnold Gave Lions' Offense 'Some Issues' During Training Camp

Lions' Terrion Arnold showing positive signs he can recover from mistakes.

Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold signs autographs / Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

Part of the reason there is elevated excitement for the upcoming Detroit Lions season is the revamped secondary, which features a highly-touted rookie cornerback in Terrion Arnold.

For the No. 24 overall pick, his first test will be a challenging one. The Los Angeles Rams feature a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback and two elite wide receivers.

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn expressed during his weekly media session that the former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back has already demonstrated the ability to move on to the next play after making a mistake on the field.

This mindset is often a separating characteristic between great players, as big plays are bound to happen when corners line up in man coverage. Because Arnold has handled these situations well in training camp, the coaching staff has confidence that he can navigate the struggles in games, too.

"My expectations for him is to be a damn good player in this defense. It fits who he is. As a corner, things happen in this league, and I would tell you that that's probably one of his better traits, he can move onto the next play. I'm talking good or bad," said Glenn. "The one part in training camp that really stuck out, a situation happened with I think him and Carlton (Davis). He was the first one, as a young player, to say, 'Let's forget about that, let's go on to the next one.' When I heard that, that let me know everything about who he was. Good or bad, he's ready to move on to the next play. That's a really good trait for a corner."

Matching up daily against one of the league's top offenses should bode well for Arnold. After working against the likes of Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown in training camp, he should be adequately prepared for the likes of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

Arnold referenced joint practices against the Giants, as well as working against these talented receivers every day in practice, as tools that give him confidence to perform in Sunday's game. He's also anticipating feeling some emotions prior to kickoff.

"I think it's gonna definitely hit on Saturday morning when I wake up," Arnold said. "But, it's a good feeling. It's the same feeling I've had since I was six years old playing. So, I can't wait to go out there, and I just know I have to take it one play at a time and one day at a time."

The Lions are hoping this work translates, as Arnold is expected to start opposite of Carlton Davis when the season begins on Sunday Night Football.

"Yeah, he's sticky. He's sticky as all get out," said offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. "He's given us some issues there during training camp, 1-on-1s and we've tried to pick on him a little bit and it hasn't been super successful. So, I'm encouraged to see where he's at. He certainly lets you know he's out there, in more ways than one."

Lions head coach Dan Campbell is not expecting Arnold's debut to be perfect, but is optimistic the moment will not be too big for the inexperienced NFL player.

"Listen, we’re gonna let him go compete. That’s really the plan here. Let’s let him go. He’s gotten better all through camp, he really has," Campbell said. "He’s had significant improvement. Now, this’ll be his first game, and I don’t think anybody expects it to be perfect. But, I do know this, he’s gonna go out there and compete and he’s gonna learn. He’s gonna represent himself just fine. It may not be perfect, but he’ll be there for us. I love the way he’s wired, I love the way he competes and love the way he’s gotten better every day.” 

For Arnold, he's not afraid of the bright lights. He's well aware that Stafford could try to target him early and often throughout Sunday's matchup, so he's staying attentive as he prepares for the first big game of his career.

"I went to Alabama, so I feel like this is really just another game for me. Just knowing that I'm a rookie, I always say as a cornerback, every play they could come at you," Arnold said. "But me, being a rookie, you know guys like that, I don't know what's going through Matthew Stafford's head. But, I know guys like Aaron Rodgers, they prey on rookies like that. My main thing is just be alert at all times."