Back in Week 4, the Detroit Lions faced off against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in a game that showcased the Lions’ dominance. Detroit soundly defeated Seattle, leaving most of the Seahawks’ defense struggling to keep pace. However, one Seattle defender managed to stand out amidst the chaos: Myles Adams. With two tackles, a quarterback pressure in just 20 snaps, and an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 74.4, Adams quietly made a mark that did not go unnoticed by the Lions.
Fast forward to the post-Thanksgiving period, and the Lions made a strategic move by signing Adams off Seattle’s practice squad. It’s a decision that appears to have paid off, as Adams has steadily proven to be a valuable addition to Detroit’s defensive rotation, albeit in a limited capacity.
Since joining the Lions, Adams has made the most of his opportunities, even if his time on the field has been sparse. In his debut against the Green Bay Packers, he logged 19 snaps and delivered a strong performance, including two pressures and a crucial run-stuff against Josh Jacobs. The following week against the Chicago Bears, however, his role was reduced significantly to just two snaps. Most recently, in Detroit’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Adams was on the field for 10 snaps, where he contributed another pressure and a pivotal sack.
What stands out about Adams is his ability to make an impact every time he steps on the field. Despite his limited sample size, he has consistently generated key plays, which raises an intriguing question: Why isn’t Detroit utilizing him more? Based on his performances, Adams seems to have earned a larger role in the Lions’ defensive scheme.
While it may be premature to suggest Adams as a starter, giving him around 20 snaps in Week 18 could be a smart move. This additional playing time would not only help the Lions assess his potential but also prepare him to contribute during their upcoming playoff run. After all, depth is critical in the postseason, and Adams has shown that he has the capability to provide meaningful support when called upon.
Looking ahead, Adams could become an integral part of Detroit’s defensive rotation, even if he doesn’t produce Pro Bowl-level numbers. His ability to contribute in clutch situations and his knack for making key plays could solidify his role as a reliable depth player, particularly once the Lions’ roster returns to full health.
As the Lions prepare to solidify their playoff positioning and look toward the future, Myles Adams represents the kind of under-the-radar talent that every successful team needs. Whether or not he sees significant snaps in the near term, his development and contributions so far suggest he could be a valuable piece of Detroit’s defensive puzzle for seasons to come.