Lions' fumble-generating philosophy: Apply CPR

Allen Park — Club. Punch. Rip. 

That's the philosophy, not just for the Detroit Lions defense, but every player on the roster. It's one that's taken hold and paying dividends as the team ranks second in forced fumbles and tied for first in fumble recoveries at the quarter-mark of the season. 

"It's CPR," defensive backs coach Brian Stewart said. "You're either clubbing the ball, you're punching or you're ripping. That's what we call it. That's how we talk to them about it, as a staff. You just attack the ball."

Detroit's emphasis on generating turnovers isn't new this season. Stewart said coach Matt Patricia has been harping on it since the day he arrived in Detroit, but things are clicking so far this season. 

"We did that last spring, when we first got in, as a defensive staff," Stewart said. "That's just part of getting the ball out. Than, as we kept progressing, showing them different guys doing it on tape and going over it, over and over again, guys just started doing it. We just have more guys doing it."

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Stewart said there were flashes of it last season. Cornerback Deshawn Shead had a knack for it, and even receiver Kenny Golladay showed a prowess, jarring the ball loose from cornerback Trumaine Johnson following an interception. 

But this year, it's been another animal. Last Sunday, four different players knocked balls loose, including two on special teams. 

"This year, guys know it works and believe," Stewart said. "When you see results, I think it's contagious."

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter.com: @justin_rogers