No one ever said winning a championship would be easy for the Detroit Lions. But, throughout the season, as teammates went down with serious or season-ending injuries, the next-man-up philosophy became the Lions’ mantra. Step up. Get in there. Grind it out. Make it happen.
While numerous players suffered injuries, no unit was hit harder than the Lions’ defense. The litany of injuries began in training camp when the Lions lost defensive lineman John Cominsky to a knee injury. The week three game against the Arizona Cardinals cost the Lions two defense starters. Edge rusher Marcus Davenport landed on injured reserve with an elbow injury. The Lions lost Derrick Barnes to MCL and PCL tears.
Detroit Lions Next Man Up Mandate Holding Steady
Fortunately, one of the things Lions General Manager Brad Holmes focused on in the off-season was adding depth to the defense. A genius at scouting talent, Holmes sought to build a deep enough bench that if one player went down, someone else was right behind to step up and fill that role. The early season injuries allowed other players to step up and prove themselves.
However, when star defensive edge Aidan Hutchinson suffered a gruesome leg injury in week six, many feared the Lions’ Super Bowl hopes were suddenly in jeopardy. The injuries continued to add up as linebacker Alex Anzalone suffered a broken forearm in week 11.
It was a grim reminder of how quickly things can change in this league. Like Hutchinson, Anzalone, is one of the keys to the Lions’ rebuilt defense. A year ago, he led the team with 129 tackles. Before his injury, Anzalone was one of the team leaders with 33 tackles, one sack, and four pass defenses.
DC Aaron Glenn Has Done An Amazing Job
Nonetheless, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has done a masterful job reconfiguring the Lions’ injury-depleted lineup each week. Whether he’s shuffling veteran players to cover different positions or coaching rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold how to play aggressively without giving up penalty yardage, Glenn is getting tremendous results.
Even without key personnel, the Lions’ defense has done a magnificent job, preventing opponents from second-half scoring, making crucial sacks, and clutch interceptions that have saved games. Despite the loss of so many starters, the Lions are ranked number five in the league in their rushing defense and eleventh overall for total defense. Furthermore, Detroit is tied for third in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing only an average of 16.9 points and 20 touchdowns this season.
Veteran Defense Players Adding Strength and Experience
One of the keys to the Lions’ defense this year has been the addition of several veteran free agents. Holmes brought in experienced players to fill the coverage gap. Cincinnati Bengals veteran D.J. Reader was signed as a free agent in March. In the Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears, Reader contributed two sacks and seven quarterback pressures. Holmes signed former Cleveland Brown Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Za’Darius Smith who contributed eight pressures and one and a half sacks on Thursday.
Another experienced veteran signed by the Lions this year was former Indianapolis Colts Al-Quadin Muhammad. On Thanksgiving, Muhammad stepped up with a sack and seven quarterback pressures. Although the Bears mounted a strong second-quarter comeback, the defense held them scoreless in the first half, allowing only two first downs and 53 yards of total offense.
Lions Next Man Up -Younger Players Shining
As the Lions lost key personnel throughout the season, several young defensive players have emerged as team leaders. Second-year player Jack Campbell recently earned a game ball for his outstanding play. He is one of the team leaders with 48 tackles and four interceptions.
Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph have been sensational as the NFL’s best safety duo. Branch leads the team with 50 tackles while Joseph has emerged as an endzone threat with seven interceptions.
Malcolm Rodriguez is another example of a third-year player who has stepped up to play a larger role this year. Following the injuries to Barnes and Anzalone, Rodriguez has become an impact player with 24 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery.
Sadly, in a shocking news update announced Friday afternoon, “Rodrigo” is the latest Lions player to suffer the Lions injury curse. He tore his ACL on Thursday and is out for the season.
What’s Next for The Lions Defense
In notching the Lions’ best-ever franchise record of 10 straight wins and an 11-1 record, the team’s next-man-up philosophy is paying dividends. When key defensive players succumbed to serious injuries, the Lions relied on the strength of their bench. So far, Holmes’ vision is paying off nicely as the Lions continue their streak of ten consecutive wins.
The Lions’ defense had nine starters on injured reserve ahead of the Thanksgiving game. However, after the loss of Rodriguez, that number could still increase. Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike exited the Bears game with injuries. Their status remains unknown.
But after pulling out a 23-20 victory against the Bears on Thursday, the Lions could lock up a playoff berth as early as this weekend. Should the San Francisco 49ers lose or tie on Sunday, the Lions are in. Otherwise, with five games remaining, the Lions will look for another road win against their division rival the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, December 5.
Main Image: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
