Aqib Talib was a five-time Pro Bowler and a one-time First Team All-Pro who had 35 interceptions and 125 pass breakups over 12 seasons as an NFL cornerback. And he has a Super Bowl ring. So he knows what high-level cornerback play looks like, and the mentality it takes to succeed at the position.
On the “Up And Adams Show” with Kay Adams earlier this week, Talib had high overall praise for the what the Detroit Lions are doing and more specifically quarterback Jared Goff, who he played with on the Los Angeles Rams for two seasons.
“He was a great leader. He was a great vibe guy. He always had great energy. He talked with everybody. Come down and laugh and joke with the defensive backs. That’s just what you want from your quarterback in the building…..I’ve always been a huge fan of Jared Goff.”
It’s not breaking news at this point how the Lions made a concerted effort to remodel their cornerback depth chart this offseason, after their pass defense was their biggest weakness last season.
Carlton Davis, acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and first-round pick Terrion Arnold are the current projected starters at outside corner.
Aqib Talib has high praise for Lions’ new starting CB tandem
Alongside his praise of Goff, Talib also had big praise for Davis and Arnold.
“I can’t wait to watch the Lions and Terrion Arnold. Mainly because Carlton Davis Jr. He has an NFL vet on the other side of him and that’s going to be a top tandem — I’m calling it right now,” Talib said.
“Arnold was a ballhawk last year,” Talib said. “I think he had five or six interceptions in college. If you get interceptions in college, you get interceptions in the league — it always translates. Carlton Davis, I’ve always been a fan.”
“The Lions are going to do big things, and I think the cornerback tandem will be a huge part of it.”
Talib’s singling out of Davis and Arnold was not in any was dismissive of any of the other Lions’ cornerbacks. But he’s definitely not alone in any thought that improved cornerback play this year starts with them.
