Confidence is a requirement to play cornerback at a high level in the NFL. The best ones have the ability to move on to the next play no matter the result.

Detroit Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold doesn't lack confidence.

"I mean, I'm 21 years old," Arnold said this week. "Every time I look on tape, I'm like, 'Bro, all right, this dude is 30, this dude is 27, I'm 21.' When I'm 27, it's over. When I look at the tape I be like, 'Dang, he got three kids. I got a little sister.' That's the difference."

After some early penalty struggles, Arnold has just two penalties in the past six games and has settled in nicely to his role as a starting outside cornerback in one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

"I feel like we're the best secondary in the NFL," he said. "We've proved it. All you have to do is cut on the tape from last year and cut on the tape of this year. Then, on top of that, when you compare man to man coverage vs. everyone else in the league, it's not even close. We play like 41 percent. Next closest was like 33 or 32 percent. That ain't even close."

Arnold plays the backside corner in Aaron Glenn's man-heavy scheme and has done a nice job covering a lot of opponents' top receivers. He said he's been most proud of his ability to limit big plays this season. He's allowed just three touchdowns in 10 starts.

He's still working on understanding offensive schemes, how teams are trying to attack him, route concepts and when to be aggressive. He said that just comes with experience.

What he does know is he loves playing in this scheme, and his skillset as a physical, press-man corner with sticky cover skills is a perfect fit.

"This defense is going to get me paid," Arnold said. "When you cut on the tape, you're like, 'Ok, he's a rookie, he's back side, the safety is in the run fit, he's by himself.' Nobody else doing that."

Arnold said veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III has been a huge help to him. The Lions traded for Davis this offseason and the two have been Detroit's starters on the outside since Day 1. Arnold said the two have fun and go back and forth about their age difference with Arnold calling the 27-year-old Davis 'Unc.' While Davis recently challenged Arnold to grow a beard - his first - which he admits is a little patchy, but 'it'll get there.'

Arnold and Detroit's secondary will have a good challenge Sunday against a dangerous Indianapolis Colts receiving corps and a young quarterback in Anthony Richardson, who can sling the deep ball with the best of them.

Arnold is approaching it like he has the previous 10 games, with a ton of confidence both in himself and the defense.

"Same mentality every day. Just coming in and improving. Never get too high. Never get too low," he said. "I kind of keep that with me. Never lose confidence. Like, I know my big play is coming. So, my main thing is staying focused and taking on the task of going in and guarding teams' best receivers night in and night out."

MOSELEY UPDATE

Veteran cornerback Emmanuel Moseley could make his 2024 debut Sunday in Indianapolis, according to head coach Dan Campbell.

"He's trending the right way, I'll tell you I would love to get him up this game and I think we'll see what today looks like," Campbell said. "He's continuing to get better and better. But we see him doing a little bit of everything, corner, nickel, safety. He's help is what he is. He brings another piece for us that we can use."

Moseley tore a pectoral muscle in training camp but has worked and rehabbed diligently to get back. It was his third major injury in the last three years having also suffered torn ACLs in both knees.

FRESH LEGS

Second-year tight end Sam LaPorta is expected back in the lineup Sunday after missing last week's contest against Jacksonville with a shoulder injury. LaPorta has 25 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns on the season. His 14.6-yard average per reception is tops among tight ends.

"Yeah, he's been good," Campbell said. "Here we go, two days in and I feel like he's trending the right way, so he looks pretty good. He looks like he's got fresh legs so that's good."