Lions' Mathis proving to be solid addition

When veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis signed with the Detroit Lions the move didn't create much buzz.  However, after two games the former Jacksonville Jaguar has proved to be a solid addition in Detroit.

"Getting Rashean really helped in a lot of different ways," defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham told Tim Twentyman of the Lions' website.

"He can play in about three spots back there, he is really bright, he is one of the veterans.  He's like (former cornerback) James Hasty, I got him at (age) 32 in Kansas City and Rashean is like that.  He is really a heady football player, it's helped the young guys a lot."

Mathis recorded seven tackles and two pass deflections during Detroit's first two games as he adjusts to more of a reserve role after serving as a starter during his 10 seasons in Jacksonville.

"It's a situation I'm not used to, but like you said, I'm a veteran guy and when I'm at work I work," Mathis said.  "I know my number can get called at any time and the Lord has blessed me with the tools and talents to do so.  I'm here to make plays.  I'm here to help this team, whatever role that is.  We have pieces of the puzzle that are still getting fit in, and once their fitted, we're going to win a lot of games."

In 139 career games, Mathis has recorded 527 tackles, 106 pass deflections and 30 interceptions.