It took a while for James Ihedigbo to show Lions fans exactly what he is all about.

With no signs of rust, the strong safety played his first game this season and his first regular season game with the Lions in the 24-17 win over the Jets on Sunday in New Jersey.

What a debut.

Ihedigbo finished with five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

Hello, Detroit.

This hard-hitting veteran gave an immediate boost to a secondary that has had more than its share of injuries in the first three games.

Ihedigbo — known as Diggs to his teammates — has been out with a neck injury, itching to get in. 

While Isa Abdul-Quddus did a nice job filling in for him, Ihedigbo is the guy. He is a difference maker, a leader and he is just getting started.

• (Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)