Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images Breaking down the All-22 tape of Lions cornerback Amik Robertson during the team’s 31-9 win over the Vikings in Week 18. In what was one of the more electric atmospheres of the 2024 regular season, the Detroit Lions took care of business in Week 18 by soundly defeating the Minnesota Vikings, 31-9. In doing so, they finished with a perfect 6-0 record in-division, as well as locked down both their second consecutive NFC North title, and the NFC’s one seed for the postseason. It was a statement win by all accounts, but especially so for the defense. At this point, we know all about the injuries suffered on that side of the ball, and frankly, I think the players were tired of hearing about it. In their minds, they have enough talent to still make it work, and on Sunday night against Minnesota, they proved that and then some. Up against one of the best skill-groups in all of football, nobody stepped up more for Detroit than cornerback Amik Robertson, as he was tasked with following Vikings superstar receiver Justin Jefferson—a tall task for any cornerback in the league. “You can’t bury something that comes from the dirt,” said Robertson after his incredible performance against the Vikings. He and the rest of the Lions secondary had Minnesota off-kilter for the whole game—limiting Jefferson to just three receptions for 54 yards on nine targets. Let’s get into the All-22 tape, and see how Robertson and the Lions defense was able to slow down the All-Pro receiver in the biggest regular season game of the year. Setting the tone with physicality Early on, you could tell that Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn had a very specific plan laid out in order to slow down Minnesota’s vaunted aerial attack: play a ton of physical, and in-your-face man-coverage (something not a lot of teams like to do against Minnesota with the skill players they have), and heat up Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold whenever possible. First up, we have two examples from the first quarter of Robertson being physical with Jefferson at the line of scrimmage. In my opinion, one thing you do not want to do with Jefferson is give him a clean release where he can get into his route and have the defensive back at his mercy. With this in mind, it was clear Robertson wanted to set a very specific tone early on. No matter what happened, Jefferson was going to feel him. Look at these two examples below from early in the first quarter of Robertson getting his hands into the chest of his assignment. Typically, receivers aren’t going to like this sort of thing from a cornerback—especially if it persists throughout the course of the game. Next up, we are jumping to early in the second quarter, with Robertson circled towards the top of your screen, once again matched up with Jefferson on first down. He easily slips Jefferson’s block, and is able to make the tackle on receiver Jordan Addison for a short loss on first down. Getting jammed routinely at the line of scrimmage, missing blocks on wide receiver screens —I believe all of this played a part in getting Jefferson out of his rhythm early on in the contest. Sticky in coverage One of the themes of the game was Minnesota’s inability to capitalize once they got into the low red zone. Time and time again they came up short, just like in this next example below. It’s fourth down from the Lions’ 3-yard line, and Jefferson is sent in motion towards the bottom of your screen. Seeing Robertson travel with him, Darnold safely assumes Detroit is in man. He works through his progressions from right to left once the ball is snapped. Unfortunately for Darnold, Jefferson creates little to no separation from Robertson on a whip route, and the quarterback misses high, resulting in a turnover on downs for the Vikings. Fast-forwarding a bit more to around the seven-minute mark in the second quarter, and once again Minnesota is deep in Detroit’s territory. It’s first down and Darnold is in an empty formation, with five receivers split out wide. This time Robertson is circled towards the top of screen, manned up with Jefferson, and this may have been my favorite play from him all night. Watch Robertson flip his hips once Jefferson breaks back towards the middle of the field to try and give Darnold somewhere to go with the ball. He plays it about as perfect as you can, and nearly comes away with the interception in the process. Just an excellent play that should serve as teach-tape for young defensive backs everywhere. This next rep was negated by a ticky-tack penalty called on Lions defensive back Brian Branch, but I am still including it. Another whip route from Jefferson, and what should have been yet another pass breakup for Robertson on a night where he was given a game ball by Lions coach Dan Campbell. Jumping forward to the second half now, and this is a rep that surely warmed the heart of Glenn and the rest of the defensive coaching staff. It is second-and-goal and Minnesota is in 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) with Jefferson in pre-snap motion towards the top of your screen. Darnold’s play fake and Minnesota’s offensive line do a great job of selling this look dialed up by coach Kevin O’Connell. All of the action is meant to occupy the eyes of the Lions’ defense, even for a moment. With Jefferson in motion, you can see Robertson communicating with his teammates in real time, knowing they need to switch this in order to stop Minnesota from scoring. Instead of getting Jefferson the ball on a pop pass, Darnold keeps the ball and slides to the left. Simultaneously, Vikings running back Aaron Jones releases from the right side of the formation and into the flat towards the left side of the field. Even the route run by Addison (circled in blue) is meant to obstruct Robertson’s ability to make this play on Jones. Not fooled by all of the deception from Minnesota, Robertson recognizes where he needs to be and is able to make the tackle on Jones for a short gain. This was an excellent design from O’Connell in the red zone, and in a lot of situations—it probably would have resulted in six points for the offense. Now watch the clip at full speed, and I think you will have an even greater appreciation for the intelligence that Robertson plays the position with. Overall, it was another huge win for a Lions team that doesn’t care who is out of the starting lineup. They believe they have the talent to make it work—no matter what. And players like Amik Robertson are a big reason why that belief is so strong.