The Detroit Lions flipped the script in Week 14, beating the Dallas Cowboys with a ferocious offensive effort and a defense that was surprisingly opportunistic when they hadn't been in recent weeks.
While the offense getting back on track was a story, the bigger headline should have been the aggression of the Detroit defense. The Lions forced three turnovers on the night, and each was vital in paving the way for the victory.
Earlier in the season, the Lions were forcing turnovers and winning games. They lost their way a bit, but rediscovered their takeaway mojo on defense just in time to save their season. The linebackers played the biggest role in this during the game, with two of the three takeaways coming as a result of their play.
Dan Campbell knows all of his linebackers played a vital role in the win against Dallas, and was particularly impressed by their ability to be around the ball. He was impressed by their work and attention to detail in arguably the biggest game of the season.
"We put a lot on our linebackers the other day. Some of those coverages we were playing, a lot of them put an enormous amount of stress on our linebackers. I thought Alex (Anzalone) played really well. I thought (Derrick) Barnes played really well. Jack Campbell was all over the field. Jack almost got three more (fumbles) out. He got his hands on three other ones. He's going after the football. He looks like he does in practice. He's not just punching blind. Doesn't mean every once in a while he doesn't cold clock one of our own guys, but he sees it. He's going after the football."
While Campbell and Barnes each provided a turnover with their aggressiveness, the coach was quick to point out that Anzalone almost joined the party. In terms of this week, he understands that another big game from each linebacker is vital to a win.
"Really, Alex almost had (a forced fumble). We actually got in there and a tackle was made, but Alex was coming up from behind. He was about to get one out. So, the guys are going after the football and it shows. It pays dividends. You go after the football, you see what you hit. You make a concerted effort. One of your teammates gets him wrapped up, the other one comes in there and takes the ball away. Bite the football. And we got to do it again."
The Lions were flying to the ball, and it was evident early and often in the victory. In Week 15, Campbell understands they must see this same effort again.
Lions linebackers will play a vital role against a tough Rams' offense
Detroit's defense has a major task in Week 15. In order to keep their momentum alive, they must compete in the highest way against a Los Angeles Rams offense that can move the ball through the air and on the ground to the tune of the No. 4 total offense in the league.
The Rams' duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum can change the game on the ground, so it will be imperative for the Lions to try and shut the run game down as best as they can. That will mean the linebackers need to be aggressive and will represent the second line of defense to prevent big plays down the field.
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When it comes to the pass, it will be the responsibility of the linebackers to rally to the ball and get their hands involved to force more turnovers. They will need to watch the eyes of Matthew Stafford and find a way to perhaps even get an interception or two to flip field position.
Fortunately, the Lions are seeing their linebackers elevate their play at the right time. As Campbell knows, they will be tasked with stepping up yet again this week and making a few game-changing plays. Recent history shows they've got the potential to do just that.