The Detroit Lions secured their first win of the season after taking down Kyler Murray and the previously undefeated Arizona Cardinals in Week 3, 26-23. And according to rookie cornerback Jeff Okudah, part of Detroit’s motivation in beating the Cardinals is that they were tired of what people were saying about the team and their defense in particular.
“I was tired of being disrespected by everyone,” the 21-year old Okudah told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I think the whole defense was tired of being disrespected — the whole team was tired of being disrespected.”
The defense in particular responded against the Cardinals, with the Lions recording three interceptions, including one by Okudah, who was selected by the Lions out of Ohio State with the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. A week after giving up 42 points in a 42-21 loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, they did a much better job in slowing down an Arizona team that was coming off victories against the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Football Team.
Okudah’s assignment, Deandre Hopkins, however, still finished the game with 10 receptions and a game-high 137 receiving yards, although the star wide receiver was unable to find the end zone. His interception on Murray was the first of his young NFL career after making his debut against the Packers. He also tallied six tackles against the Cardinals.
The Lions hope to pick up another win when they take on Drew Bree and the New Orleans Saints in their Week 4 game on Sunday.
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