Lions rookie Rolder wows teammate with quick grasp of scheme, turns heads with leaping interception
Allen Park — With less information to decipher, given the run game is grounded during seven-on-seven reps, Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder was able to lock onto veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s movements while dropping into a middle field zone.
After taking the snap, Bridgewater first looked left, but his initial read was taken away by the coverage. Rolder watched as the quarterback patted the ball, understanding the progression would have to take Bridgewater to his right.
With urgency, Rolder drifted deeper, and as Bridgewater attempted to connect on a post pattern, the first-year defender found himself in position to make a play. Rolder leaped, fully extended and plucked the ball from the air before it reached its intended target.
In the moment, it’s an exhilarating exhibition of Rolder’s high-end athleticism and playmaking potential. However, there needs to be emphasis on the word “moment.” This was a small block in a foundation that’s in the earliest stages of being laid.