Roy Lopez stood out for the Arizona Cardinals in their 45-21 defeat to the Detroit Lions, recording six tackles, a sack, and a quarterback hit despite the team’s defensive struggles. Lopez, a nose tackle, played 36 of the 55 defensive snaps and tied for third on the team in tackles, including three solo stops and two for loss.
The Cardinals’ defense saw 20 players on the field during the 66 snaps, but opponents have scored at least 30 points in each of the last four games. Lopez’s performance was a rare bright spot. Walter Nolen III led the defensive line with 43 snaps and four assisted tackles, while Dante Stills added three tackles, including one for loss. L.J. Collier and Darius Robinson also contributed tackles and quarterback hits.
Linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. played every defensive snap and finished second on the team with seven tackles, three of them solo. However, Wilson was penalized for unnecessary roughness, a call that set up Detroit’s first touchdown. Baron Browning recorded a sack and forced fumble, though the Lions recovered the ball, and added four tackles with one for loss and another quarterback hit.
The secondary saw safety Budda Baker lead the team with 11 tackles, six of those solo, and a sack for a 12-yard loss on Detroit’s opening drive. Baker also made a quarterback hit. Cornerback Denzel Burke contributed six tackles and safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson made five tackles with four solo stops. Max Melton defended one pass and had three tackles. Garrett Williams, however, was beaten on a 39-yard touchdown reception by Jameson Williams.
Special teams were active with 34 players participating in 32 snaps. Punter Blake Gillikin averaged 46.8 yards on his punts but had a net average of 33.0 yards due to three returns totaling 64 yards. Kicker Chad Ryland missed a 53-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter, which would have extended the Cardinals’ deficit to two scores.
On kick coverage, cornerback Art Green made three tackles, including one solo. Wide receiver Simi Fehoko forced a fumble on special teams, though it was one of three lost to Detroit. Linebackers Karson Sharar and Cody Simon also saw extensive special teams action with 28 snaps each.
Among inactive defensive linemen was nose tackle Andrew Billings, while Zach Carter and Kaleb Proctor remained on injured reserve. Injured defensive backs Joey Blount and Kitan Crawford are eligible to return later in the season, but cornerback Will Johnson is expected to miss the rest of the year.
Lopez’s impact was one of the few positives for Arizona’s defense in a game where the Lions dominated. He also took part in a special teams snap, showing his versatility despite the team’s overall difficulties on both sides of the ball.
According to Yahoo Sports.
