ALLEN PARK — Pat O’Connor, a seven-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, found himself in uncharted territory during the Detroit Lions’ 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football.
Despite a long career, the former Eastern Michigan standout had never played more than 32 defensive snaps in a single game. Against the Packers, however, O’Connor logged a career-high 41 defensive reps, leading the Lions’ defensive line. Named an honorary pre-game captain and introduced with the starters, the 31-year-old relished the milestone.
“Honestly, I never thought I’d have an opportunity like that at this stage of my career,” O’Connor said postgame. “To experience that moment was a dream come true. I’m so grateful to Coach Campbell, AG (Aaron Glenn), and the staff for trusting me with that role.”
Detroit’s defense, ravaged by injuries, has turned into a proving ground for overlooked or recently acquired players. The team currently leads the NFL in defensive players on injured reserve (13), including four of their top five linebackers from the season’s start. Against Green Bay, the Lions also played without three key defensive linemen and lost Alim McNeill to a concussion in the second half.
Several newcomers have stepped up amid the adversity:
- Linebacker Kwon Alexander and defensive linemen Jonah Williams and Myles Adams all played double-digit snaps in their debuts after being signed just days prior.
- Jamal Adams saw action as a practice squad elevation, logging eight snaps and earning a start despite limited preparation time.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised the defensive staff for simplifying the game plan to accommodate the new arrivals. “We wanted them to play fast, so we trimmed the package down,” Campbell explained. “These guys might be new to us, but they’ve played football before, and they responded well.”
Other players, though not brand-new to Detroit, have also capitalized on increased roles:
- David Long has made an impact since arriving from Miami, while Ezekiel Turner and Al-Quadin Muhammad continue to deliver despite limited time with the team. Muhammad, in particular, has been a standout, registering eight pressures in his last two games.
- Broderic Martin, a third-round rookie, played a career-high 23 defensive snaps against the Packers, more than doubling his previous best.
The Lions’ linebacker corps remains thin, with Malcolm Rodriguez out for the season and Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin on injured reserve. The defensive line may get reinforcements soon as DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and McNeill recover from various injuries.
For now, these so-called castoffs are making the most of their opportunities, proving instrumental as the Lions fight for the NFC’s top seed and a division title.
“What our defense accomplished was tremendous,” said quarterback Jared Goff. “Guys who joined us just days ago went out there, gave it their all, and made it tough on the Packers. It was incredible to watch.”
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