It took Amon-Ra St. Brown four games to make his mark in the NFL for the first time. The Detroit Lions’ rookie receiver puts up top numbers against the Chicago Bears. In doing so, he confirms his head coach.

Munich – Maybe Dan Campbell has psychic abilities. But it’s more likely that the head coach of the Detroit Lions simply talked himself into believing that Amon-Ra St. Brown would put an exclamation mark on his fourth NFL game.

As decision-makers do when the headwinds get a little fiercer after three losses to start the season.

So when asked when his rookie would become a real factor ahead of the divisional clash with the Chicago Bears, Campbell replied: “I think he’s close. He’s ready to make a big play for us. “

St. Brown convinces – but Lions lose again

The youngest of the St. Brown brothers by no means proved his coach wrong, delivering by far his best performance in a Lions dress in “Windy City”. Which – that much is also part of the truth – was again not enough for the first win, because the hosts deservedly kept the upper hand with 24:14.

But the 21-year-old’s numbers are absolutely impressive. Jared Goff targeted the fourth-round pick eight times – the best figure together with tight end T.J. Hockenson. He made six catches for 70 yards – only Quintez Cephus gained more space with 83 yards.

More yards than in first three games combined

This gave St. Brown more yards than in his first three games combined. He had 43 yards on his resume before the kickoff, with six catches as well.

Goff explained the previously rare passes in the direction of the California native with the circumstances, because the team had confidence in the youngster: “We love to give him the ball. He’s always part of the gameplan.” Campbell had attested to St. Brown having already done “a lot of dirty work for us”.

Exactly what he meant by that was left open. But perhaps a scene like the one after Goff’s strip-sack just outside the Bears’ end zone, when St. Brown decisively stopped the immediate counter-attack. That’s not what he gets paid for in the first place, but that’s also part of an NFL pro’s job.

Catch for 24 yards on the way to a touchdown

The young wide receiver played a crucial role in the second touchdown, as when the Lions needed a deep pick on a long second down attempt, St. Brown was there for 24 yards. He already contributed five yards to the first score in the previous drive.

In total, St. Brown gained three new first downs. And it could have been even more, but Goff threw over the two incomplete passes. He was also eight yards from the end zone on the visitors’ final drive. So the NFL rookie still has to wait for his first score. But a first statement that he has found his feet in the league is set.

With Williams, another receiver coming back soon

The task now for St. Brown is to confirm this performance. Then he can get on the heels of the two current starters Cephus and Kalif Raymond, who provided both touchdowns. And then there is Tyrell Williams, who is expected to make a timely return from the concussion he suffered in Week 1. Competition he doesn’t have to hide from at all, but he can grow from it.

His fellow receivers also know that St. Brown has tasted blood. A new question could soon be lurking in Campbell’s mind: When his young rookie will be ready for the role of starter.