The Detroit Lions have leaned heavily on their secondary ever since Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken leg in Week 6 against Dallas. While the secondary has performed admirably, head coach Dan Campbell challenged the defensive line to step up and take control of the game in their matchup against Houston. He emphasized that the defensive line, particularly Alim McNeill, needed to lead the charge and take over the game. Campbell felt this was the moment for the front line to shine.
Entering Sunday’s game, Houston had allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL (31). The Lions’ defensive line responded by delivering a dominant performance, recording four sacks and seven quarterback hits. McNeill, Josh Paschal, Pat O’Connor, and James Houston each contributed a sack, and the defense as a whole racked up nine tackles for loss. The Lions’ defensive effort played a key role in their 26-23 victory, marking one of the most complete defensive games for the team in recent years.
McNeill expressed that the defensive line took Campbell’s challenge seriously and did their best to make an impact. He acknowledged that the first half didn’t go as planned, but they stayed focused and executed in the second half. For McNeill, it was about how they finished the game, not how they started, and the defense was able to close strong and make the necessary plays when it counted most.
This performance was notable not only for the sack totals but also for how the defense managed to stymie the Houston offense. The Lions’ defense registered four sacks, nine tackles for loss, and two interceptions — a rare feat for Detroit since at least 1994. These defensive numbers were critical in keeping Houston from gaining momentum and ensuring the Lions maintained control of the game.
Looking ahead, the Lions’ defensive front is set to get a boost with the return of veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who is expected to make his debut next week when Detroit hosts Jacksonville. His addition should further strengthen the Lions’ defensive line as they continue their push toward the p
layoffs.
