Rookie NFL cornerbacks, like Lions first-round pick Terrion Arnold, often find themselves targeted by opponents and officials, especially early in the season. Arnold has already received four pass interference penalties in three games and was fined for a facemask penalty in Week 2.
In the recent game against the Arizona Cardinals, Arnold recorded his fourth pass interference penalty. Pro Football Focus has given him a mixed performance evaluation; although his overall grade is low, he did allow only two catches on six targets while covering Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Lions are giving Arnold time to adapt to NFL officiating. If it weren’t for minor injuries that caused him to leave briefly in the last two games, he would have played nearly all of the team’s defensive snaps. Despite the poor grades from PFF, Sunday can be seen as his best performance so far.
There have been calls to bench Arnold, which overlooks a key point: he shouldn’t be completely removed from the lineup. Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports suggests that the Lions might consider starting Kindle Vildor instead, allowing Arnold to come off the bench to refine his technique.
Terrion Arnold has only played three games and leads all defensive players in penalties, which is unusual. While his number of pass interference calls and the fine for the facemask are noteworthy, it raises the question of who would replace him. Vildor, who started in the last two regular-season games and playoffs last year, isn’t seen as a strong option. He struggled in those games and wouldn’t have been a starter if the Lions had better alternatives.
While it’s true that Arnold could benefit from some time off the field to improve his skills, benching him might be an overreaction, especially since Vildor isn’t the ideal replacement.