Terrion Arnold:The Next NFL Cornerback Sensation : Aaron Glenn Predicts Stardom for the Young DB
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn prefers to deploy an attacking defensive style.
The Lions want to repeatedly pressure opposing quarterbacks, ramping up the numbers they send in their efforts to collapse the pocket. As a result, there are plenty of occasions where the scheme calls for cornerbacks to play tough man-to-man coverage.
This style hasn’t changed as the team entrusted rookie Terrion Arnold to start at the cornerback position. After displaying an affinity for playing press-man coverage in college at Alabama, Arnold was an ideal fit for Glenn’s defensive scheme.
Arnold’s rookie campaign has not been without lumps. He has been whistled for seven pass interference penalties with opponents targeting him often. However, he’s shown growth across the campaign and has been whistled for just one penalty in his last three games.
The rookie has played the most man-coverage snaps in the entire NFL (239). The high standard hasn’t changed for Arnold, and he’s shown plenty of aptitude in the scheme that has the Lions excited about his future.
“As he continues to progress in this league, he’s gonna get better and better and better. And listen, we’re putting a lot of pressure on this player by the way we play,” Glenn said. “But there’s no other way he would want it. I’m glad we’ve got him, for the simple fact that he’s gonna be one of the top corners in the league as his years progress.”
His growth playing against NFL wide receivers, paired with a solid understanding of what’s asked of him in zone coverage, has allowed him to grow within the defensive scheme.
