Dan Campbell reveals 'secret sauce' behind Lions' defensive success

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed why he thinks defensive tackle John Cominsky is the "secret sauce" behind success on the defensive side of the ball.
Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK
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The Detroit Lions defense has started 2023 strong, and there are many theories as to how that's happened.

Some might highlight the play of Aidan Hutchinson, while others could credit improvements in the secondary, or players adjusting to Aaron Glenn's scheme. Dan Campbell thinks he has an answer in John Cominsky.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Campbell was asked about Cominsky.

"He's kind of the secret sauce to all of it, (Cominsky). He's the ultimate hard hat guy. He's got his lunchpail and his hard hat and he just comes in and puts in a damn good day's worth of work. (Cominsky) is just someone who fits dependability, reliability to a T. He handles a lot of jobs for us. He handles the big end, he can play three-technique inside. He's really one of the keys to us setting up our rush game when we get into third down. He's physical. He's got push, he can separate. And he can play the run. So he's a little bit of the unsung hero for us on the defensive line."

Cominsky has eight tackles, one sack and five quarterback pressures this season. He always seems to set a teammate up for a play if he isn't making one. It's clear his gritty, energetic mindset fits what the Lions look for.

John Cominsky had impressive effort against the Packers

Ever since earning his way on the roster in training camp last year, Cominsky has been a menace to opposing offenses.

Cominsky totaled four sacks and 30 tackles last season, earning a two-year contract extension with Detroit. That agreement has paid off quickly for the Lions, with Cominsky stepping up in Week 4.

Pro Football Focus graded Cominsky as the team's highest-graded player on either side of the ballplayer (84.8), with imressive metrics.

Cominsky being one of the best players on the field against Detroit's arch-rival is no accident. As Campbell explained, he is a big reason behind the Lions' defensive success.

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