If not now, never. That's the reality for Josh Paschal as he steps into a major role in the Lions defense in his third NFL season. If not this week, when?
"I treat it just as precious and just as valuable going into it, but this season, of course I know that it’s time to make some plays," Paschal said Friday.
With Marcus Davenport done for the season, Paschal's time has arrived. The Lions need a big, powerful defensive end opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and Paschal is their guy. As Aaron Glenn said this week, "He's going to have to step up."
"I expect more from that player, and he’s expecting more from himself," said Glenn.
The Lions liked how Paschal played in their Week 4 win over the Seahawks, with his first big workload of the season. He didn't show up a ton in the box score on a night Detroit allowed over 500 yards, but he restored some of the violence on the edge that the defense lost in Davenport. "The thing is," said Glenn, "we have to consistently be able to do that."
Injuries have stunted Paschal's growth since he arrived as a second-round pick in 2022. Hernia surgery delayed the start of his rookie year, followed by knee injuries that cost him additional time his first two seasons. He also has 26 NFL games under his belt and, at some point, needs to turn his traits into production. Paschal says "the best part of my game" is defending the run.
"I’m just one of those guys who likes to see his knuckles get bloody a little bit," he said. "I like that old-school football stuff."
The Lions were uncharacteristically gashed on the ground by the Seahawks, mostly to the outside. But Paschal's purpose is to disrupt the pass. Dan Campbell sees an evolving player "who's gotten better every week (as) he's been thrust into playing more." Paschal got triple the amount of snaps (53) against Seattle that he'd averaged in the first three games.
"Once you're able to play a certain number of snaps, you really get into your rhythm," Paschal said. "And once you hit that rhythm, you can really find your zone, and when I get in my zone, personally, that’s when I play my best ball."
Paschal doesn't pose the same same problems for an offensive line as the 6'6 Davenport, one of the best bull-rushing defensive ends in the game. But he still has plenty of force behind his 6'3 frame. He says he's both stronger and leaner than he was as a rookie. He's learned how to leverage his body and "play from different angles," based on whether he's rushing with power or speed. Lions new defensive line coach Terrell Williams "has done a great job with him," said Campbell.
"He’s on a good trajectory right now," said Campbell.
Pass rushing is where Paschal has the most room to grow. It's also where the Lions need him the most. He did have three quarterback pressures against Seattle, on the second most pass-rushing snaps (41) of his career. Asked where he can make the biggest impact on Detroit's defense, Paschal said, "My physicality."
"That’s something the coaches have tried to get me to implement in my game more the last couple years, and I feel like this year has been my best year when it comes to that," he said. "Hopefully it has built up and contributes to a defensive line that’s already a physical group."
Davenport paired well with Hutchinson because of the way he crushed the pocket from the other end of the line. Fewer escape lanes means more sacks. The Lions are looking for Paschal to play a similar role, and he knows it. As much as "you want the stats" next to your name, Paschal said that when he watches film after a game, "I go to see, am I helping the defense win, am I putting my teammates in the best position to make plays?"
"And then when I have my opportunity to make plays, am I making those as well?" he said.
Paschal will get his opportunities Sunday. He's in line for another high snap count against a Cowboys offense that wants to drop back and pass. Paschal and Hutchinson have been spending a lot of time together at practice, said Glenn, figuring out "how they want to operate and how they want to rush the passer.” The goal for the D-line, said Paschal, is to "be the most dominant unit on the field."
Two years ago, Paschal debuted in Dallas. He returns in what he says is a "full-circle moment, knowing my first NFL game was in that stadium, and I have an opportunity to make a big impact in this game." If not now, when?