ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Entering the 2014 season, the Detroit Lions’ secondary was the team’s biggest weakness, but through two games, the unit has exceeded expectations.
In Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers, the group will have a chance to truly gauge whether or not the start has been a mirage.
Top cornerbacks Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis will share the duty of covering Jordy Nelson, one of the NFL’s top receivers. The 6-foot-3 Nelson leads the NFL in targets with 30 and yards with 292 and is tied for lead in catches with 18.
“Jordy’s a pretty good receiver,” Slay said. “I’m ready for the challenge, and I’m ready for him to bring his A-game just like I’m going to bring mine.”
The Lions (1-1) and Packers (1-1) will play for an early edge in the NFC North. And no matter how the Lions’ secondary looks, the entire defense has to contain quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is 9-1 in his career against Detroit. The only loss was a 2010 matchup during which Rodgers sat the second half with a concussion.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell was asked Wednesday if Rodgers has any weaknesses.
“I haven’t seen any,” he said. “He’s exceptional.”
Slay, a second-round pick 2013, has played tight in man coverage, but struggled a bit in zone thus far, which he said will improve over time.
“I’m playing at the level I need to be playing at,” Slay said after the Lions’ 24-7 loss to the Panthers on Sunday. “One thing I can do is just get better, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”
But Nelson’s receiver partner, Randall Cobb, will test the Lions, too, especially with Bill Bentley and rookie Nevin Lawson — their top two nickel cornerbacks — already on injured reserve. Playing primarily in the slot, Cobb has 11 catches for 97 yards and three touchdowns.
Two games into the year, the Lions rank second in the NFL allowing just 57.5 rush yards per game. They are ninth in pass defense allowing just 197.5 yards per game.
The Lions’ defensive line should have opportunities to pressure Rodgers against a struggling Green Bay offensive line, but the secondary will need to prove itself for the Lions to have a chance Sunday.
NOTES: Rookie K Nate Freese is just 2-for-5 on field goal attempts this season, but coach Jim Caldwell said he will remain the kicker for Sunday’s game. Freese missed a 43-yarder in Week 1 and two 49-yarders in Week 2, prompting the Lions to work out three veteran kickers — Alex Henery, Rob Bironas and Garrett Hartley. … Lacking cornerback depth with Nevin Lawson and Bill Bentley on injured reserve, the Lions signed Danny Gorrer on Tuesday. He has played 27 NFL games with three teams in five years. … SS James Ihedigbo (pinched nerve in neck) missed the first two games and was limited in practice Wednesday. … RT LaAdrian Waddle (calf) did not practice Wednesday. … DE Ziggy Ansah (knee) missed practice Wednesday. . . Linebacker/special teamer Travis Lewis (quad) missed practice Wednesday. … S Don Carey practiced for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in the second exhibition game and was a full participant.