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Video: Justin Rogers, John Niyo analyze Lions' win over the Packers

Detroit News beat writer Justin Rogers and columnist John Niyo discuss the Lions' season-ending victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Justin Rogers, The Detroit News

Detroit Tracy Walker had it rough.

A leader of Detroits secondary, the fourth-year safety was stuck with a nickname that no defensive back would find appealing: "Butters" Walker.

He dropped that nickname on Sunday when he picked off Jordan Love with under 30 seconds left in the Lions 37-30 season-finale win over the Green Bay Packers for his first interception since Week 1, 2019 an 853-day gap.

Today we cant call him Butters, said defensive back C.J. Moore, who intercepted Love a drive prior to put Detroit in the drivers seat. He actually got one.

It was an up-and-down game that closed a stellar season for Walker, an impending free agent who'sdue for a raise after what his nose for bringing down the ballcarrier gave the Lions this season. He even tied a career-high in tackles Sunday, coming up with 13.

Honestly, Im just happy we got the win, Walker said. That goes to the foundation weve been trying to establish all year. Weve been having all types of ups and downs, but today we were able to go out there and play as one. We played as a team today, and we were able to be successful today.

Still, Walkers season and the Lions win almost ended after a tackle he didnt make.

With the Lions leading 27-22 in the fourth, Walker whiffed on a tackle during a tight end screen to Green Bays Josiah Deguara that wound up going for a 62-yard touchdown to put the Packers up, 30-27.

I know I gotta make the tackle, but Im human, too, Walker said. He gets paid on the other side of the ball as well, so shoutout to him for making me miss. … I made up for it in the long run.

That he did, and hes got those two late interceptions plus a rushing touchdown from DAndre Swift that regained the lead to thank for why Detroit closed the last six weeks of its season on a 3-3 run.

For Walker, that final stretch of the season represented growth of a team that asked him to do a lot of heavy lifting, and didnt always have top-flight talent alongside him in the secondary. The former third-round pick out of Louisianaled the team in tackles and set a single-season career high with 107.

Thats quite a bounce-back season after the Matt Patricia-led Lions took him away from free safety in 2020, the place on the field where hes most impactful. Now comes the wait, as its still unclear whether exactly what Walkers future holds.

More:Ranking the Lions' impending unrestricted free agents

But given his postgame comments, one would have a hard time believing that he wants to play anywhere else. He certainly doesnt talk like someone who plans on starting all over again in someplace new.

Weve had so many ups and downs this year, that I dont think we give enough credit to Dan Campbell. Hes a hell of a coach, Walker said.

Hes always preparing us, each and every week, to go out and compete against the best of the best. At the end of the day, I feel like things are coming together, and we see that. … Sometimes life doesnt go your way, but hey, life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond. And we responded the right way today, so thats how we look at it.

And he definitely doesnt sound like someone whos interested in trying to jibe with a third coaching staff in three years.

I feel like with these coaches, they believe in the players, Walker said. They understand what its like to be a player, first off, so theyre open ears. Sometimes we might not be right as players, but theyre still open to hear it. Thats the biggest thing for me. That was the biggest difference, honestly. I respect these coaches for that, giving me a voice, and allowing me to voice my opinions, and hearing me out, regardless if Im right or wrong.

Thats the difference between these coaches. Thats why I respect them the way I do.

Nolan Bianchi is a freelance writer.

Read more from the original source:
From 'Butters' to better: Lions' Tracy Walker caps turnaround season with big pick - The Detroit News