Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown talks off-season additions, NFC North expectations, best QB he’s seen and more

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By Webdesk


Amon-Ra St. Brown was one of the best rookie wide receivers in the NFL in 2021, but was able to step it up a notch in year two. St. Brown caught 106 passes for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns in 2022, becoming only the third player in Lions history aged 23 or under to have a 1,000-yard season.

St. Brown is not only the youngest player in franchise history to produce a 100-catch season, but he is also only the third player in NFL history to have at least 90 catches in their first two seasons has registered — along with Michael Thomas and Odell Beckham Jr. He also tied the NFL record for longest streak of eight games in a row with eight or more receptions in year two, establishing himself as one of the best wideouts in the league.

In a one-on-one interview with CBS Sports, St. Brown discussed the Lions’ offseason and expectations for 2023. He also discusses the best cornerbacks he’s faced and the new role he plans to take on this year.

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From year one to year two, where did you think you improved the most as a footballer?

St Brown: “I can’t pinpoint exactly where I got better, just being more comfortable. Knowing what to expect in the league week in, week out. Understanding defenses a little better and how to attack them. What the quarterback sees. I felt just makes me more comfortable handling those things.”

You may have heard talk that the Lions could leave Jared Goff and eventually draft his replacement (maybe this year). Can you give me your endorsement as to why Goff should be the long-term quarterback?

St Brown: “I like Jared as a quarterback. That’s my man. He’s the only quarterback I know in this league, and in my opinion he’s one of the best. He communicates with us really well. He tells us what he likes , what he wants.” to see from us. We can also tell him what we like. He listens to us.

“As a receiver, it’s easy to deal with a guy like that. That’s what I like about him. He communicates well and is super, super transparent. Obviously he throws a great ball for me – and also for everyone else.”

What did you think of the Lions adding David Montgomery?

St Brown: “That was a huge boost for us. My brother (Equanimeous St. Brown) was on the Bears so I knew a little bit about him. Me, my brother and David actually played Call of Duty together – and this was still during the season .

“My brother always told me that David was crazy, hard to tackle in training. He does weird things in games. When I faced him I knew he was a great player. I kind of watched his tape and he was super dynamic, he didn’t just come out of the backfield and get the transfer, but in the passing game.

“I’m super excited to see him work and get to work with him. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I think it adds another element of explosiveness to our attack.”

Signing David Montgomery also meant parting ways with Jamaal Williams. Last year he was one of the leaders in that locker room. Who do you think can fill that void?

St Brown: “Losing Jamaal will definitely hurt us. Last year he was a beast. He was a great teammate and we all loved him, but at the end of the day we all understand it’s a business. He understood that too, and he had to do what was best for him, as teammates we can’t blame him.

“We’re definitely going to miss him. We have a lot of leaders on this team. I want to be more of a leader next year and I like to lead by example. I’m not a big vocal guy, but if I can give my teammates just a little bit more motivation , give them a little more work ethic Whatever it is man I’m here for it.

“I try to lead by example.”

You trained with Jameson Williams during the off-season. What did you like about his game and how he has developed so far?

St Brown: “Jameson is going to help us a lot next year. His speed is something you just can’t learn and he loves the game. When he’s there you can tell he loves to play. He obviously hasn’t been able to play much because of going to the ACL, but he gets a very off season under his belt, can train how he wants without the rehab, and get to know the playbook better because he has more time for that.

“I can’t wait to see what he does for our attack. He’s going to be super, super explosive for us.”

The Lions have really improved their secondary this off-season. How talented do you think that unit can be next year?

St Brown: “We can be really good. I mean, if you add that kind of firepower, then you add it to be successful. Nothing less. I’m excited to see them get to work.

“It may take them a while to understand how everyone plays. In secondary, the unit has to play together, and that’s where the OTAs are really going to help them. I can’t wait to see what they do there.

“It will be fun to compete against them in practice. That is a very talented group.”

What do you want to see in the Lions’ new uniforms?

St Brown: “We’re getting new helmets this year. And I’m excited for them and the new uniforms, I’m here for it. I don’t mind the uniforms we have now, but getting new uniforms is always exciting. I can’t wait to see what they do with them.”

Did the Lions tell you what the new helmet will look like?

St Brown: “They haven’t (laughs). They’re going to reveal that soon, so I’m curious to see what they look like.”

The NFC North feels like it’s the Lions division to lose. I know it’s crazy saying that in Detroit, right? Is that the goal?

St Brown: “Oh, our goal is definitely to win the NFC North, nothing less. That was the goal last year, but we fell short. You go to the playoffs if you win the NFC North, so of course we want that. We win the NFC North, we’re in.

“Since I’ve been in Detroit we’ve talked about making the playoffs. Everyone’s talking about it now, people think we’re going to win it. Nothing is guaranteed in this league and we know it. That target on you having a back and being favored only makes winning the division that much harder.

“As a team, when we get together, I’m sure Dan Campbell will address that. As players, we need to understand (the expectation) as a lot of us have been there for a while. We’re going to change this whole thing around, that’s why I’m so excited to get back together with these guys at OTAs.

Best quarterback you’ve seen/seen?

St Brown: “Oh man, that’s a good question. Being on the offensive side of the ball and just witnessing these guys on the sidelines – Aaron Rodgers is one. I saw him twice a year and it was really special. Josh Allen there was another. There were so many. There are so many talented guys in this league, but they were the two that stood out.”

What about the best cornerback you went up against?

St Brown: “I played the Rams my rookie year and they zone a lot. I didn’t get one goal that game, but Jalen Ramsey – going up against him was fun. Since teams zone a lot, it’s hard to see which cornerbacks stand out, especially because I’m in the pokies a lot.

“Darius Slay was a very solid corner kicker. I definitely remember that in Week 1. Sauce Gardner was a good one too. I didn’t get to play Marlon Humphrey much in my rookie year but when I only saw him on tape he was a strong, physical corner. Trevon Diggs was another great hand for a corner. They were the ones that stood out.”

What about Slay? What was it about him that stood out?

St Brown: “He’s just a very smart corner. He’s been in this league for a long time, seen a lot of things. He’s not fooled by little moves, little deceitful things. He’s a smart corner. He knows where his help is it.” He understands leverage.

“Guys like that will always be a good cover. He’s very smart and moves pretty well too.’





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