The Detroit Lions are currently struggling to contain the run. Blame an over-worked defensive line or an out of place linebacker unit, but either way, the Lions have to figure out how to stop allowing opposing teams' running backs from outperforming their superstar running back, Jahmyr Gibbs.
Ahead of Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, though, it seems like they may get a small break as it pertains to the talent they have to contain on the ground.
Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, who has been dealing with an ankle injury this season so far, told reporters quite candidly that this season would feel like the "longest year" of his career, and that he's "tired" amid the management of another ankle injury and his increased workload since coming into the league.
This opens the door to extra carries for Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight against the Lions, removing one threat for the Lions' defense to have to deal with consistently.
Lions could catch a break with Love injury update
Detroit has been at the bottom of the league in run stop win rate, hitting a success rate of only 28% on that front. They've dealt with some dynamic backs to open their season, such as James Cook, Breece Hall, and most recently Chuba Hubbard. While Love being out lightens the load a bit, the Lions can't let up against Allgeier.
A piece to this puzzle has to do with their linebacker unit being mysteriously non-impactful so far this year. After an excellent season from Jack Campbell in 2025, he's only put together one stuff. Last year, he had 14.5 stuffs for 10 total stuff yards, and was also a top tackler in the NFL. It's like he's a shell of himself because he's being asked to do more in coverage this season.
Poor LB play in Week 4 could force a bolstered run defense vs. Cardinals
Week 4 saw some truly awful pass protection from both the Lions' secondary and their linebacker unit. Carolina's tight end room was always going to be a massive threat in this game, but the way that Darren Waller and Tommy Tremble were able to almost always be open - just like Tetairoa McMillan - was concerning. A lot of that falls on the shoulders of a linebacker unit that's mismatched.
READ MORE: Lions' DVOA after Week 4 should provide some optimism for rest-of-season outlook
Arizona isn't exactly a huge threat in the air. Jacoby Brissett is a bit of a bridge quarterback at the moment before the Cardinals either decide to test Carson Beck out at the position, or until they draft a quarterback in 2027. Michael Wilson and Trey McBride remain huge threats in this game, of course, but the run game could be heavily relied upon, as well.
This presents a great opportunity for both the Lions' linebacker unit, and for defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Being unable to contain the Cardinals' RB2 and RB3, or their pass game, could force some major changes amid the Lions' Week 6 bye.
But, if they are able to piece together a much more solid run-stopping game in Week 5, it could help give some confidence back to Sheppard and the Lions' linebackers - Campbell, mainly. Allowing the captain of the defense to get back to what he does best should be a priority in Week 5.
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