Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold has taken some criticism this year for the nine defensive pass interference and holding penalties he’s been flagged for. He’s a physical press-man corner who’s been pretty sticky in coverage, and with that play style will come some penalties.

It should be noted that since Week 4, Arnold has only been flagged three times. The more important number regarding Arnold’s play this year should be the number 3. That’s the number of touchdowns he’s allowed in his coverage area in 12 starts and over 500 coverage snaps played.

“Listen, he’s always been sticky in coverage, it’s the growth of him from how he started to where he is now,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said Thursday. “And I know that everybody was on him about these PIs, which still kills me, but listen, that player is going to be a damn good player for us.”

Arnold certainly doesn’t lack confidence and relishes playing in Glenn’s man scheme. He wants to challenge receivers in man coverage and the more reps he plays the better and better he’s going to get at avoiding penalties, playing the football and creating takeaways. He’s still looking for his first career interception.

“Listen, we’re putting a lot of pressure on this player by the way that we play, but there’s no other way that he would want it,” Glenn said. “So, I’m glad we’ve got him for the simple fact that he’s going to be one of the top corners in this league as his years progress.”

MVP TALK

Sunday’s game in Detroit between the Lions and Buffalo Bills is a matchup between two of the best teams in their respective conferences and a potential Super Bowl matchup.

It will also feature two of the favorites to win league MVP honors in Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Goff ranks second in the league with a 72.4 completion percentage (276 of 381) this season and can become the second quarterback ever with a completion percentage of 75-or-higher in eight games in a season, joining Tom Brady (eight games in 2007).

Allen has accounted for 32 touchdowns (23 passing, nine rushing) and is the engine that makes everything go for Buffalo’s offense.

Goff said Wednesday he’s not thinking much about the MVP talk. He’s more focused on getting the Lions’ win streak to 12 games and staying atop the NFC and NFC North races.

“Sure, I’ve been playing well, but a lot of guys have been playing well though,” Goff said. “If you’re a quarterback on a good team, you’re probably going to be in that conversation and it’s a credit to all the guys on the squad.

“We’ve had a really good year up to this point, we’ve got to finish it off. Sure, it’s cool to be recognized in some ways but it doesn’t really mean anything. I want to be holding that trophy at the end of the year, and I know that’s what matters.”