Detroit Lions 2023 Review: Can Jack Campbell Take Next Step?
In 2023, the Detroit Lions’ linebacking corps expanded significantly.
Following the first round selection of Jack Campbell of Iowa, it was anticipated that a fresh face would be starting behind incumbent Alex Anzalone. Derrick Barnes, who was hired before to the start of the season, excelled because of the increased competition.
Even though Campbell ended up having a significant impact on his rookie season, Barnes’ growth was probably the most positive indication from Kelvin Sheppard’s position group in 2023.
Before the offseason, here is a look at the Lions’ linebacker situation.
Justification for optimism
The Lions’ deepest position group on the defensive end might be the linebacker position. The majority of the repetitions were played by three players: Anzalone, Barnes, and Campbell.
But in 2022, Malcolm Rodriguez had 15 starts as a rookie, while Jalen Reeves-Maybin occasionally had strong streaks when filling in for him.
Because of this, the Lions enter the offseason with a wide range of possibilities at the position. Near the end of the season, Campbell showed improvement, and Barnes and Anzalone both had their finest statistical seasons to date.
Anzalone has proven to be an excellent defensive captain who can synchronize Detroit’s defense. Because of the linebacker’s excellent play, the unit was among the best in the league against the run.
Anzalone recorded a career-high 129 tackles in 2023, surpassing 120 stops for the second straight year. He will be relied upon to command the defense throughout his two seasons of team management.
The most interesting narrative, though, was how Barnes matured and integrated everything in his third season. With a game-winning interception against Tampa Bay, he propelled the Lions into the NFC Championship, marking a career-high in both tackles and tackles for loss.
Compared to the SAM duty he was expected to play at times this year, Campbell appeared more at ease in the middle, which resulted in improved play towards the end.
Rodriguez’s contribution was less than it was the previous season, but he still produced huge plays when needed. In the NFC Championship game, he had his first interception of his career.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin contributed a lot of production on special teams for the Lions as well. Reeves-Maybin was recognized as an NFLPA All-Pro and Pro Bowl player for his work on special teams in addition to his defensive spot duty.
Cause for concern
The Lions’ ability to cover passes is their main area of concern at linebacker. Teams frequently exploited the second tier of the Lions’ defense, making the middle of the field a source of concern.
Campbell had a very difficult day, as evidenced by his Pro Football Focus pass coverage grade of just 35.3. Anzalone scored a 67.2 in covering, while Barnes was ahead of him with a 53.2.
Even though the position has depth, Anzalone is the only member of the group with a track record of reliable productivity. While Barnes had a good year and Campbell had a terrific finish, the team’s objective is to be consistent in 2024.
It will also be fascinating to watch if the middle linebackers for the Lions can produce on pass rush plays. Late in the season, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn produced pressure in other ways, so it’s possible that he’ll enlist his linebackers to help the club in this regard as well.
The biggest query
Will Jack Campbell make a significant advancement? With the Lions defense, the rookie saw ups and downs during the season as he was required to fill a variety of positions.
The Iowa product, in particular, will need to be significantly enhanced in the coverage department. Although the rookie’s season wasn’t too disastrous and he ended up playing well, the defense struggled in the beginning.
The depth of the Lions will help them since Campbell will be under more pressure to perform better due to the higher level of competition. He appears to have the mental structure to keep getting better because he is committed to his profession.
It is worthwhile to speculate as to just what his job will be in 2024, though. Barring a sustained run of good form in 2023, this will be a war for reps. Rodriguez might also create noise if he has a productive offseason.
Consequently, prior to the 2024 season, there will be fierce rivalry for this spot.
