## John Fassel Defends Amani Oruwariye after ‘Unfortunate’ Blocked Punt Flub
### Lions Special Teams Coordinator Stands Behind Cornerback After Costly Mistake
**Detroit, MI:** Detroit Lions special teams coordinator John Fassel has expressed his support for cornerback Amani Oruwariye following the player’s costly blocked punt in Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
### The Incident
With the Lions trailing 24-14 late in the third quarter, Oruwariye was tasked with covering the Seahawks’ punt returner, Tyler Lockett. However, Lockett faked a return, allowing Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton to block the punt and recover the ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
### Fassel’s Comments
In his post-game press conference, Fassel defended Oruwariye, acknowledging that the play was an “unfortunate mistake.”
“Amani is a great player, and he’s still learning,” Fassel said. “He got caught in a tough situation today, but we believe in him. We’re going to work with him and help him get better.”
### Background
Oruwariye, 26, has emerged as a key member of the Lions’ secondary since being acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans in 2021. Known for his physicality and coverage skills, Oruwariye has recorded 4 interceptions and 17 pass deflections in 32 games with Detroit.
### The Impact of the Flub
While Oruwariye’s blocked punt flub was undoubtedly a major setback for the Lions, Fassel emphasized that the team would not dwell on the mistake.
“We’re not going to let one play define us,” Fassel said. “We’re going to learn from it, and we’re going to move on.”
### Statistics and Analysis
The Lions’ special teams unit has struggled this season, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in several key categories. According to Pro Football Focus, Detroit is 31st in punt coverage and 29th in field goal blocking.
Oruwariye’s blocked punt flub was the latest in a string of miscues for the Lions’ special teams. In Week 1, the team allowed a 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. In Week 2, punter Jack Fox fumbled a snap, leading to a Seahawks field goal.
### Conclusion
Despite the setbacks, Fassel remains optimistic about the Lions’ special teams unit. He believes that Oruwariye and the rest of the team will learn from their mistakes and improve as the season progresses.
“We have a lot of talent on this team,” Fassel said. “We’re going to figure this out. We’re going to get better.”
The Lions will look to bounce back from their loss to the Seahawks when they host the New England Patriots in Week 5.