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Isaac Ukwu's strip-sack vs. Steelers strong final pitch for Detroit Lions roster spot
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- Isaac Ukwu's strip-sack vs. Steelers strong final pitch for Detroit Lions roster spot
Undrafted free agent Isaac Ukwu finished the preseason off on a strong note with another sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers . This time, the sack led to a forced fumble that the Lions recovered.
It was his third preseason sack in three games.
"I feel like it was a great way to comb out the preseason," Ukwu said. "Just taking each week, one week at a time, building off of the last week. So I feel like this week I really I put everything together and had a pretty good game."
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Ukwu's strip-sack caught the attention of Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Detroit Lions defensive end Isaac Ukwu (45) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
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"I won't know entirely until I watch the tape but certainly a lot of guys stood out, man," Campbell said about the final chance to evaluate the bottom of the roster options. "I thought Ukwu showed up again. That was a critical turnover and Chris Smith comes away with the recovery on that."
Ukwu's celebration after the play in which he waved his arm like he was riding a bull also caught the attention of fans, but that celebration was planned. Ukwu told Campbell he would perform that celebration when he got the chance.
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"Yeah, I did have it ready," Ukwu said. "I was supposed to do it last week. I promised coach Camp (Dan Campbell) I was gonna do it last week. But when I got that sack I was a little tired, so, but this time I had energy, so, I had it ready."
Ukwu's keys to improving his pass rush game through camp was his hand activity, feet activity, and to be more violent with his moves. The violence showed today, pushing the opposing tackle back into the quarterback to force a fumble. He credits his ability to be coached and growth in the NFL to his success.
"I really think it's what Coach said the other day. Just steady growth, being able to take coaching and then build off of that and keep improving," Ukwu said. "Add my little flair to it and all that. But yeah, I feel like that's really what's been the best thing. I've been getting more comfortable, more comfortable each week, each practice, and just being able to play good."
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The best way for a player on the fringe of the roster to grab coaches' attention is to make plays. Ukwu has done that all preseason and he is hopeful it will all be enough to make the roster.
"That's all I'm gonna do, is put it in God's hands," Ukwu said. "I mean, he hasn't failed me yet, and he won't. So I'm really just gonna be chilling in the hotel."
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Isacc Ukwu makes strong final case for spot on Detroit Lions roster
