December 21, 2024

Simon Inah

Detroit Lions Urged to Sign $11 Million Linebacker as Alex Anzalone’s Replacement The Detroit Lions are being advised to pursue former Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long to fill the significant gap left by Alex Anzalone, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a broken wrist. Anzalone’s absence leaves a major hole in the Lions’ defense, prompting discussions about potential replacements. Long, who was recently waived by the Dolphins, is seen as a viable candidate to step in and make an immediate impact. Why David Long Could Be the Right Fit Analysts believe David Long could be the perfect addition to the Lions’ linebacker corps. After being waived by the Dolphins in the final year of his two-year, $11 million deal, Long brings a wealth of experience and ability to the table. Though his time in Miami ended on a down note, his skills—particularly his physicality, speed, and ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage—could bring a much-needed edge to Detroit’s defense. Long started all 17 games for the Dolphins in 2023 and appeared in six of eight games in 2024 before falling out of favor. A sixth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2019, Long developed a reputation for being an aggressive, hard-hitting linebacker with great sideline-to-sideline range. While he isn’t known for elite coverage skills, his strength against the run and ability to create chaos in the backfield would fit well with the Lions’ aggressive defensive style. A Fresh Start Could Rejuvenate Long’s Career Long’s release from the Dolphins was influenced by a series of factors, including a hamstring injury and a decline in his performance against the run, which led to him losing his starting spot. Despite these setbacks, Long’s raw talent and physical playing style still hold considerable promise. Analysts believe that a change of scenery to a team like the Lions—who are playing with confidence and a strong sense of direction under head coach Dan Campbell—could allow Long to regain his form and contribute significantly to Detroit’s defense. Long’s high energy and aggressive playing style could mesh perfectly with the Lions’ defensive philosophy, and joining a winning team might provide the ideal environment for him to thrive. His ability to play with intensity and physicality could provide an immediate boost as the Lions push for a playoff berth

Detroit Lions Urged to Pursue $11 Million Linebacker to Replace Alex Anzalone The Detroit...

Jaguars vs. Lions Preview: 3 Crucial Matchups, Key Statistical Insights The Jaguars have leaned heavily on dime personnel this season, using it the ninth most in the NFL with 94 snaps (9.4 snaps per game). However, this defensive approach has been a significant vulnerability, as the Jaguars’ run defense from dime is the worst in the league, allowing a staggering +1.13 EPA per rush. Even more troubling, 91% of those runs come on third down. Ben Johnson won’t hesitate to capitalize on this weakness, using it as an opportunity to dominate on the ground in clear passing situations. With the Jaguars’ interior defensive line struggling to control the line of scrimmage, they’ll have a tough time holding up in this matchup. I expect Johnson to unleash his offense with 10- or 11-personnel, spreading the field wide, and potentially using Amon-Ra St. Brown in motion out of the backfield, a move he’s utilized before. This will allow the Lions’ offensive line to overpower a defense already compromised by six defensive backs. On the flip side, it’s challenging to assess the Jaguars’ offense with Mac Jones stepping in for the injured Trevor Lawrence. With second-year back Tank Bigsby also sidelined, the Jaguars will need to manufacture success on the ground. While they rank in the middle of the pack in various rushing metrics (14th-18th in EPA per rush, 10+ yard runs, Stuff Rate, and Success Rate), their advanced statistics tell a revealing story. The Jaguars rank a dismal 30th in Yards Before Contact (YBCo/Att) at just 0.77, but they lead the league with 3.94 Yards After Contact (YACo/Att). This indicates that their offensive line struggles to create initial push, but their running backs—particularly Travis Etienne and Bigsby—excel at breaking tackles and turning negative plays into positive yardage, which will be critical against a tenacious Lions defense. Digging deeper into the running backs’ production, using FTNFantasy’s DVOA metrics, the Jaguars rank 10th in Second-Level Yards per Attempt (1.30) and 5th in Open Field Yards per Attempt (1.17). Both Bigsby and Etienne have been exceptional at creating yards after contact—Bigsby leads the NFL with 4.9 YACo/Att, while Etienne ranks second with 4.0 YACo/Att. Even without Bigsby, Etienne’s explosive ability to churn out yardage will keep the Lions’ defense on its toes. With their backs capable of turning broken plays into big gains, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will stress the importance of precise tackling and relentless pursuit. The Lions’ defense has been one of the league’s most dominant at limiting YACo/Att, ranking second overall with 2.41 YACo/Att. Their formula for success has been gang-tackling and preventing additional yardage, a strategy that has proven effective over the last two seasons. If all three levels of Detroit’s defense execute their responsibilities—stopping the run and forcing Mac Jones to take the reins—the Lions should be able to suffocate the Jaguars’ offensive game plan. Players like Josh Paschal, Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Carlton Davis III will play pivotal roles in keeping the Jaguars’ ground game in check.

The Jaguars have been using dime personnel at the ninth highest rate in the...