Ennis Rakestraw Jr. disputes PFF performance grade

Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has disputed a performance grade issued by Pro Football Focus (PFF) following the team’s preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. PFF assigned Rakestraw a grade of 29.3, which placed him at the bottom of the Lions' roster for the game and indicates a negative performance.

Rakestraw criticized the accuracy of the evaluation, arguing that the analysts lacked the necessary context regarding the team’s defensive schemes. He specifically noted that while he had one man-to-man repetition resulting in a catch, the majority of his play was in zone coverage. He suggested that PFF graders did not understand the tactical instructions or the specific coverage being utilized during the match.

While Rakestraw acknowledged the need for personal improvement, he maintained that the distinction between individual man coverage and complex zone responsibilities is crucial for an accurate assessment. The Lions' coaching staff is expected to review the game film with more detailed tactical information than the public grading service provides.