When was the last time the Detroit Lions won a playoff game?
Jan. 5, 1992.
Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone confessed to not knowing exactly when that occurred, but he knew it had been a while, and said on Wednesday, that the team’s goal is to win playoff games. Period.
Anzalone is considered a veteran — he’s 28 — on the Lions’ roster. He laughs it off about being the old guy, but re-signing the linebacker was key to keep Detroit’s defense on track to take another step forward in the 2023 season and beyond.
Anzalone, who was signed on one-year deals with Detroit for the past two seasons, has agreed to a three-year, $18.75 million extension. He spoke to the media on Wednesday at the practice facility, saying that signing the multi-year deal brought a sense of relief.
“I really felt like I’ve found a home,’’ said Anzalone who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 draft out of Florida. He played there for three seasons before signing with the Lions in 2021.
With the nex contract, Anzalone said his personal goal is to be more consistent at a high level.
He started all 17 games last season, finishing with 125 tackles (a career high), 1.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, one interception and a forced fumble.
The Lions finished the season winning eight of the last 10 games, finishing with a 9-8 record.
“The development of young guys is not an excuse (any longer),’’ Anzalone said.
Most of them, including Anzalone, were not born at the time of the last playoff win, but they know it’s up to them to take the team to the next level.
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