The Detroit Lions have been hit hard by injuries on defense, but the team is starting to regain its health. In the meantime, they have been signing players to fill gaps while their regular starters recover.
One such signing was veteran defender Jamal Adams, who made his debut for the Lions last week against the Green Bay Packers.
Adams, who played only eight snaps in his first game, contributed with one tackle and helped apply pressure on the Packers’ quarterback.
On his first snap, he assisted in a play that ended with Za’Darius Smith sacking Jordan Love.
The Lions went on to win the game 34-31, improving their record to 12-1 for the 2024 season.
With another big matchup against the Buffalo Bills on the horizon this Sunday, Adams took a moment to reflect on his journey back to the field.
He shared details of a phone call he had with former teammate Quandre Diggs, who had played with him both at the Seattle Seahawks and earlier this season with the Tennessee Titans.
Adams revealed that he reached out to Diggs, telling him, “Man, I’m going to the Lions!”
Diggs expressed excitement for his former teammate, calling it a great opportunity for him, and assured Adams that Detroit has “nothing but great people.”
Adams responded by saying how much he wished Diggs could be there with him, especially given that Diggs had been a major figure for the Lions before moving on.
Adams emphasized that Diggs deserved to be part of a winning culture, but that his former teammate was still happy for his success.
After the Packers game, Adams had a minor slip-up when he mentioned a “huge start” to the season before quickly correcting himself.
This could be understandable, as it felt like the start of a new chapter for him.
His last NFL appearance had been on September 30 with the Titans. After requesting his release, Adams was let go by Tennessee in mid-October.
Reflecting on his time with the Titans, Adams acknowledged that things hadn’t worked out in Nashville.
However, after two months off, he had been preparing for the right opportunity. Now, with the Lions, Adams feels like he’s in the right place at the right time.
“It felt like being back around winning football again,” he said, describing his debut. “Like, playoff atmosphere.
The energy just felt like, I’m supposed to be here, man. I’m supposed to be a part of this.”
As the Lions prepare for their crucial game against the Bills, Adams is expected to play a larger role on Sunday.
A win over Buffalo would not only set a franchise record for most wins in a single season, but it would also bring Detroit closer to securing the NFC’s top playoff spot.
The game is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans as the Lions continue their strong push toward the postseason.