Detroit Lions defensive back James Ihedigbo has expressed his belief that his side's defense will dictate the tempo in their games next season.

Ihedigbo joined the Lions from the Baltimore Ravens in the off-season and is intent on bringing a physical edge to the club after they missed out on the playoffs last season.

"Our defense, we dictate what offenses are doing," Ihedigbo told the Detroit News. "We don't let them dictate to us anything.

"We control the game, and that's our mindset. When you go against us, you're going to be going against a hard-hitting, vicious, physical team on defense and on offense."

The 30-year-old recorded 100 tackles and three interceptions for the Ravens in the 2013 season.