Cliff Avril has said that he has not been playing as well as he expected to this season.

The Detroit Lions defensive end turned down a three-year deal with the side, hoping that a strong year would earn him a pay rise.

The 26-year-old told MLive.com: "It's still five games to play.

"I don't really think I'm anywhere near my expectations of how I expect to play. I don't think I'm anywhere near that right now, but like I said, I got five games to continue to keep chopping away, to continue to play fast and have fun.

"I'm just trying to make plays to help the team win. However that comes, if it's sacks, forced fumbles, whatever the case may be, I just want to continue to keep building, keep getting better, and helping the team win."

Avril has recorded 7.5 sacks in 2012, including three in the last two games.

Written by
Sian Cowper