Lions’ linebacker depth tested after Anzalone’s injury
The Detroit Lions’ defense took a major hit when linebacker Alex Anzalone suffered a broken forearm during the team’s latest victory. While the Lions celebrated the win, they now face the challenge of replacing a player considered to be the “heart and soul” of their defense. With Anzalone expected to miss six to eight weeks, the Lions’ linebacker corps is suddenly thin. However, head coach Dan Campbell remains confident in his team’s ability to adjust. In his recent press conference, Campbell outlined how the Lions plan to fill the void left by Anzalone and which players are expected to step up.
Jack Campbell: Ready to Step Into a Leadership Role?
When Anzalone went down, much of the responsibility to lead Detroit’s defense shifted to second-year linebacker Jack Campbell. Known for his understanding of the game and instincts, Campbell has been learning from Anzalone for some time, which should make the transition easier. Campbell has already been given opportunities to lead during the spring when Anzalone missed OTAs, and coach Dan Campbell is confident that Jack will rise to the occasion.
“First of all, he’s a guy who understands the game. He is a smart football player, he studies it, he works at it,” said Dan Campbell. “He’s an instinctive player that really understands ball.” While replacing Anzalone’s experience is a tall task, Jack Campbell is well-prepared to take over the defensive play-calling duties, marked by the “green dot” on his helmet. With the confidence of his coaching staff, Jack will likely thrive in this leadership role.
The Importance of Malcolm Rodriguez’s Return
Adding to the Lions’ linebacker depth is the return of Malcolm Rodriguez, who made his comeback just in time. Rodriguez’s flexibility and experience make him a crucial piece of the puzzle. As a versatile player capable of filling multiple linebacker roles, including WILL and SAM, his presence provides significant relief to the strained unit.
“He gives us a lot of flexibility. He can play the WILL, he can play the SAM out in space, he’s been playing kind of that big nickel,” Campbell remarked. “Having him back it does, it relieves a lot of pressure there.” Rodriguez has proven himself with his nose for the football and aggressive playstyle, making him a vital asset as the Lions aim to maintain their defensive edge.
Who Will Take the Third Linebacker Spot?
With the loss of Anzalone, the Lions will rely heavily on both Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez. However, the question remains: who will fill the third linebacker spot? According to Campbell, this decision will largely depend on the matchup and could involve a variety of defensive schemes.
Campbell said, “I know this, Jack and Rodrigo are going to play a lot for us. And then it’s a matter of is it by committee if you’re using three linebackers? Are we using a DB? It’s just hard to say right now.” The third linebacker spot could be filled by a defensive back, or the Lions could deploy a 5-2 look with five defensive linemen. However, the team will likely turn to veteran linebacker Ben Niemann for depth.
“By the way, it’s another reason why Ben Niemann’s here too,” Campbell added. “He can play every one of the spots and smart guy, he’s played a lot of football, and we have no problem plugging and playing him anywhere either.” Niemann’s versatility and experience make him the prime candidate to step into a larger role. Additionally, Trevor Nowaske, who has already filled in for Derrick Barnes at the SAM linebacker position, could see increased snaps as well.
Could David Long Become Part of the Rotation?
The Lions recently signed veteran linebacker David Long to their practice squad, adding another potential option for depth. With 75 games and 49 starts of NFL experience, Long brings valuable coverage skills and run defense instincts to the table. While he’s not expected to make an immediate impact, his experience and special teams contributions could make him a key player as he acclimates to Detroit’s system.
Long’s skill set mirrors that of Rodriguez in some respects, and with his physicality and coverage ability, he could become an asset to the Lions’ defensive rotation. “He’s instinctive and aggressive in the run game and has natural chops in coverage,” Campbell said. If Long adapts quickly, he could provide much-needed depth for the Lions as they push forward without Anzalone.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions face a difficult challenge in replacing Alex Anzalone, but with players like Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Ben Niemann stepping up, the team’s defense remains in capable hands. With the return of veteran linebacker David Long and an adaptable defensive strategy, the Lions are prepared to weather the storm. As they chase a potential postseason berth, Dan Campbell’s trust in his linebackers will be crucial to their success.
