Tag: Alex Anzalone

Lions LB Alex Anzalone closer to return but unsure if it will be on Sunday

ALLEN PARK — Nothing is certain about the availability of Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone for Sunday’s game against the Vikings. It would be his first action since he broke his left forearm on Nov. 17.

The decision will be made collaboratively by trainers, doctors, coaches and Anzalone himself.

At this point there are more questions including how much more healing will there be if he waits a week or two before he plays.
If he would re-injure it, he could be sidelined for the playoffs. It’s a factor in the decision-making process.

“You just think about OK, for me personally, obviously the doctors and trainers kind of go through what the risks are of waiting a week, waiting two weeks, going through practice and maybe letting it spin next week or the week after that or this week,’’ Anzalone said on Thursday.

“I think, for me personally, it’s like OK, say if something did happen would I be OK not playing in the Super Bowl? That’s a decision I have to make in my own head. Is it worth it? How do I feel going over these next few practices and go from there? I haven’t practiced in six weeks,’’ said Anzalone, who has a steel plate in his arm with a big scar as proof.

In Thursday’s practice he wore a carbon-fiber, padded protective wrap on the forearm.

Anzalone seems very much unclear about playing against the Vikings on Sunday night.

 “They do a really good job in the training room and our team docs, they don’t really try to put us in crazy harm’s way. There are risks of playing with injury and coming back, at the same time they do a really good job of getting you ready and putting you out there prepared and when they feel comfortable, then part of my voice and how I feel definitely goes into it,’’ Anzalone said, explaining the decision process.

While Thursday was his first practice it was not padded. He was listed as a full participant up from limited for Wednesday’s walk-through.

“That’s another thing, I haven’t tackled anyone to the ground. I’ve done some drills and tried to simulate it as much as possible. It’s one of those things, how do you feel?’’ the veteran linebacker said.

He’s been pleased to watch the development of Jack Campbell who has taken his place. 

“He’s done a really good job, taking control and being the play caller out there. He’s going to continue to grow,’’ Anzalone said. “It’s good to see a young guy take the reins in that regard, I’m proud of him.’’

Of course defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn looks forward to Anzalone’s return.

“Just him, his presence, his common presence and the players get so used to being around. That’s nothing against Jack, they’re just two totally different people in how they operate. I’m looking forward to getting him back out there. I can’t say if he’ll be out there this week. He’s getting himself back to acclimate how we do things and practicing. Hoping we get him back really soon,’’ Glenn said before Thursday’s practice.

While he’s been off, Anzalone said it hasn’t been too difficult to watch his teammates play  because he knew he’d be back around this time. It also probably helps that they’ve only lost one game in his absence.

What he doesn’t like is the league-wide chatter that the Lions defense, which has many key injuries, is not good enough to win the Super Bowl.

“I think it’s bullshit honestly, it’s one of those things. We have to do our part and limit points, that’s the No. 1 goal as a defense,’’ Anzalone said. “We haven’t been doing that recently but at the same time to say we’re not good enough to win the Super Bowl I think that’s pretty dumb.’’

INJURY UPDATE: CB Emmanuel Moseley (illness), G Christian Mahogany (illness) and RB David Montgomery (knee) did not practice on Thursday.

UP NEXT: Vikings (14-2) at Lions (14-2), 8:20 p.m. on Sunday at Ford Field. Winner earns the NFC”s No. 1 seed.

Five reasons the Lions continued their win streak by dropping Colts, 24-6

The Colts continuously shot themselves in the foot, and the Lions took advantage in a 24-6 win on Sunday in Indianapolis. Detroit (10-1) has now won 10 games in  back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history.

It marked their ninth straight win and a 10-1 start to the season which ties the 1934 Lions for best start in franchise history. 

The records fall like dominos each week.

While praise has been heaped on Jared Goff and the offense from the get-go the defense continues to shine. The Lions have allowed just 12 points — four field goals — in their last 10 quarters. 

“We asked a lot of our defense today and they did a great job,’’ coach Dan Campbell said.

The Lions took a 14-6 lead at the half and added another touchdown in the third quarter followed by a 56-yard field goal by Jake Bates.

Campbell once they were able to get the lead they were able to keep the Colts at arm’s length which was the goal.

The Lions once again elevated their road warrior status, earning a perfect 6-0 road record this season. In 2022, Campbell’s second season, the Lions were 0-11-1 on the road with him as coach. Since then they are 16-5.  “If you can win on the road you’re normally a pretty darn good team,’’ Campbell said.

Five reasons why Lions won:

ONE: The Colts moved the ball downfield on their first two possessions, but the Lions red zone defense is tough and forced the Colts to settle for field goals. Campbell said typically good red zone teams can run the ball. “We’re really good at shutting down the run,’’ Campbell said. The Colts were 0-for-2 in the red zone, while the Lions were a solid 3-of-4. QB Anthony Richardson started off solidly and was effective running the ball, but he had seven straight incompletions in the second half. 

TWO: Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery once again powered the offense combining for 172 scrimmage yards. Gibbs (21 carries, 90 yards) scored a pair of rushing touchdowns while Montgomery (8 carries, 37 yards) had one. Both are a double threat. Montgomery had three catches for 36 yards while Gibbs had three catches for 9 yards. Montgomery went out late with a shoulder injury “We have two bell cows and it’s rare,’’ Goff said. “We do, we have two guys you can hand the ball to a ton. One goes down for a little bit, the other guy steps up. It will happen both ways throughout the year. We’re lucky to have both of them and they do a helluva job.’’ They are the first running back duo in NFL history to each rush for 10-plus TDs in consecutive seasons.

THREE: Jared Goff was Jared Goff. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 269 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions. Sacked three times, Goff remained patient and threw the ball away when he had to. 

FOUR: Remember the old days – prior to Campbell’s arrival – when the Lions would often kill themselves with penalties and lost so many games because of it. The Colts hurt themselves with 10 penalties for 75 yards, several of the whistles negated plays that had gained good yardage. Again, credit the Lions defense.

FIVE:  The Lions defense adjusted following the loss of Alex Anzalone and cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Colts targeted Kindle Vildor, who filled in for Arnole, often. He struggled a bit but the defense was able to handle business. “It’s honestly just the next man in and no excuses, we have a great room and guys who push each other every day,’’ said Jack Campbell who called the plays in Anzalone’s absence. Arnold was questionable for the game so he may be ready to play on Thursday. 

INJURIES: Dan Campbell didn’t have specifics on injuries to Carlton Davis (knee), Montgomery (shoulder), Kalif Raymond (foot) and Taylor Decker (knee and ankle). Decker was able to return to the game but was pulled out again. They have only four days to heal until Thanksgiving.

UP NEXT: Chicago Bears (4-7) at Lions (10-1) at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at Ford Field.

Lions play their best aggressive football in 52-6 win over Jaguars

5 reasons why win streak extended to 8 games

It wasn’t just a win, it wasn’t just a shellacking, it was likely the best game the Detorit Lions have played in the Dan Campbell era.

The Lions (9-1) dominated the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars, 52-6, at Ford Field on Sunday for the Lions’ eighth straight win. It’s the best start to a season since 1934 and longest win streak since that same year.

In Sunday’s win the Lions set franchise records with margin of win (plus-46 points), total net yards (645) and total first downs (38).

Campbell said it was their best game to date and then gave in when asked if it was the best game he’s seen his Lions play.

“Probably top to bottom this is probably the best game — offense, defense, special teams —  everything, it was pretty good, man,’’ Campbell said. “We did what we needed to do on both sides of the ball.’’

The Lions were coming off a win at Houston where the offense faltered. “We were proud of that win last week that was hard fought, but we also wanted to get that bad taste out of our mouth and we did that today,’’ Campbell said. “It’s outstanding.’’

They flicked the switch and Goff and his guys came out and scored touchdowns on their first seven possessions.

“There’s a collective will power they can use together. I really felt like we pulled on each other today and played some of our best ball up to date,’’ Campbell said. “That was satisfying always to get a win in this league because they’re hard to come by but when you play up to your potential in all areas it’s a really good feeling.’’

It’s a talent-rich offense and it showed once again on Sunday. Goff connected with nine different pass catchers and the offense finished with 645 total net yards. Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Amon-Ra St. Brown all scored a touchdown in the same game for the eighth time. That is the most instances of a trio of teammates doing so in NFL history.

The Lions  have scored six-plus touchdowns in three-straight home games for the first time in franchise history. And they have also scored 42-plus points in three-straight home games, tying the franchise record-long streak, which was done in 1952. The franchise records crumble each week. And these Lions are not done yet.

Five reasons the Lions won:

ONE: They are a confident, talented team that plays with a violent, aggressive streak on both sides of the ball. They were heavy favorites and weren’t going to let the opportunity for their ninth win slip by. “It was an outstanding effort by a ton of players,’’ Campbell said. The offensive play stood out. “It’s fun, we were moving the ball pretty good. Our run game was pretty good, our pass game obviously pretty good too,’’ Goff said. “Everything was working. It felt like Ben (Johnson, the offensive coordinator) could call anything and we would make it work.’’

TWO: Goff was taken out early in the fourth quarter when the Lions held a 49-6 lead. He finished with a perfect passer rating (158.3) for just the second time in his career. He completed 24 of 29 passes for 412 yards and four touchdowns. It was an amazing comeback from last week at Houston when nothing seemed to go right for him and he threw five interceptions. “I thought Goff was outstanding once again. I’m not surprised, that’s the type of player we have, that’s the type of football he’s been playing for a while now,’’ Campbell said. “He’s a stud.’’

THREE: Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, or Sonic and Knuckles as they like to be called, can also be called the best running back duo in the NFL today. It’s impossible to rate one above the other. Both display jaw-dropping moves with the football in hand. Montgomery had two rushing touchdowns while Gibbs added another. Both can also be a threat in the passing game. Gibbs had a 54-yard passing play (on a checkdown) to go with his 69 rushing yards. Montgomery had 3 catches for 20 yards along with 75 rushing yards. 

FOUR: Oh, and the Lions have the best safety duo in the NFL with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. Never was that more apparent than in back-to-back plays in the first quarter when Branch bulldozed Evan Engram after a 9-yard catch and then Joseph blasted Travis Etienne Jr. for no gain. Joseph intercepted Mac Jones in the third quarter with the Jaguars closing in on perhaps scoring a touchdown. Detroit’s defense held the Jags to just 170 yards, 10 first downs and two field goals.

FIVE: Wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams played outstanding against the NFL’s worst defense. St. Brown had 11 catches for 161 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Williams had 4 catches for 124 yards, including a 64-yard pass play for a touchdown where he just outran his defenders as he neared the end zone. Campbell called St. Brown their rock – he can line up anywhere and is dependable. It was Williams second game back after a suspension, he had critical catches and continues to improve each week.

INJURY UPDATE: LB Alex Anzalone is out for 6-8 weeks with a broken forearm. He left the game in the second quarter holding his arm.

UP NEXT: The Lions (9-1) at the Indianapolis Colts (5-6), 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.