Detroit Lions: 3 X-factor players for Week 8 vs. Colts

3. John Penisini, NT

Rookie John Penisini has been a pleasant surprise for Detroit Lions fans. The rookie tackle was selected in the sixth round in the 2020 draft. Not many Lions fans were expecting much from the former Utah man. He has shown himself to be a physical presence in blocking and has been able to clog running lanes for the opposing running back.

Through the first four weeks, the Lions run defense was abysmal. The Lions were gashed on the ground and ranked in the bottom five in rushing yards allowed. Aaron Jones and Alvin Kamara torched the Lions. Detroit lost both of those games.

Given the team’s defensive philosophy is to stop the run, which can create pass-rushing situations, it was a fundamental flaw that Detroit could not stop the run. The bye week allowed the team to reset and evaluate. And since then, the run defense has been solid.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

The Lions have kept both teams they have played since the bye to under 100-yards rushing, and it has been built on this rookie’s impressive play. With Penisini playing as the nose tackle, the Lions have built the line around him. With Da’Shawn Hand and Danny Shelton playing narrower on the line in a three-technique, Detroit has a much better chance of stopping the run.

This Sunday will be the toughest test yet for the remodeled front. The Colts rank fourth in ESPN’s run block metric and it is an enormous part of the Colts offense. With Philip Rivers’ inconsistent play, the onus will be on Colts rookie Jonathan Taylor to lead them to a win. It is non-negotiable that the Lions stop the run. They have to. I expect to see the Lions in a lot of heavy sets, particularly on early downs.

Penisini will have to have his best game in a Lion uniform. He will need to anchor the defensive line and get a good push off the snap if he or his teammates want to stop Taylor. The Colts line is among the very best in the NFL. But with the rookie already showing he is a quick learner, he should be ready for the test.

If Penisini can win his matchup with Ryan Kelly, it may confuse the Colts and force them to change the run plays or abandon it. This is a critical piece of this game, and Penisini will have to step up. He’s passed every test so far, and I think he has the ability to pass this one too.