Lions know they need this takeover-heavy stretch to continue into playoffs

Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) holds the football after intercepting a pass from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)AP

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have created six takeaways across their last two games, including four interceptions against the starting quarterback they’ll see again in Week 18.

It’s changed the conversation surrounding their defense, and they’re well aware they need this takeover-heavy stretch they’ve been waiting for to continue into the playoffs.

“They’re understanding exactly what’s coming to them. They’re being aggressive, as far as attacking the football,” Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. “They’re looking to punch the football out. And at any given time, and it’s a mentality, and I told our guys the other day, ‘It’s becoming the DNA.’ Because it happened last year probably about midseason. We started a little late. It happened about the last five games.

“But our guys really understand that. And it helps as a team as far as wins and losses. When we win that turnover battle, you know, usually we come out with a win. So we want to continue to do that.”

“We have to win our one-on-ones, all right? Because the thing that I do know — We’re best when we’re trying to be aggressive on people. And I think that’s when we play our best. And our guys like playing that way. Listen, we got to win our one-on-ones, but we also, when we got a guy doubled, we got to take him out.”