“Detroit Lions in Crisis! Linebacker Faces Impossible Task Against Bills’ Explosive Offense! “


The Jack Campbell that the Detroit Lions selected in the first round of last year’s NFL draft is not the same one playing with a newfound swagger this year. And the Lions wouldn’t have it any other way.

For the second consecutive year, the soft-spoken product from Cedar Falls, Iowa, is proving to be one of the most crucial pieces within Detroit’s front seven as he trends towards being one of their top two tacklers once again.

Campbell, who leads the Lions with 98 tackles, has taken over the green-dot responsibilities in the absence of Alex Anzalone, who is sidelined with a broken forearm. Furthermore, he’s becoming more vocal during preparation, speaking up in linebacker meetings and ensuring the game plan is solid.

Lions linebacker coach Kelvin Sheppard shared on Tuesday that Campbell would have been scared to be this assertive during his rookie year. However, the coach is proud and appreciative of Campbell’s assertiveness, newfound voice, and overall progression as a player.

“I’m very pleased. I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s progressed,” Sheppard told reporters on Thursday. “I think if you go back to the spring, I spoke with some of you about his progression as a player coming in last year, no matter the route he went, the vision me and (Aaron Glenn), Dan had for that player. From what we saw on his tape, we knew there were things that needed to be corrected, and Jack took full accountability.

“And now you’re seeing that out there on the field. I told him the other day, I think it was leading up to the Green Bay game, I felt like (that) not just because I’m his coach, he’s playing at, if not the highest level, one of the highest levels, at that position in the league the last month.”

Sheppard isn’t far off. According to Statmuse, Campbell was fourth in tackles among all NFL linebackers with 41.

Last Thursday, he played a big part in Detroit’s 34-31 win over Green Bay, leading the team with eight tackles and a hit on quarterback Jordan Love.

This week, however, Campbell faces a tough challenge on Sunday when the Lions host the Buffalo Bills, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen.

“I feel like it starts up front,” Campbell said. “The offensive line is physical, their backs are physical, and obviously Josh Allen. And I feel like their tight ends do a good job blocking, and then they got receivers who are willing to block, which is kind of unusual in today’s game. So, I mean, it’s a physical offense. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re excited for it. It’s going to be a great opportunity.”

Allen is having a career-best year with 3,033 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Although the Bills fell short against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Allen showcased how much of a threat he is with both his arm and legs.

In the passing game, he threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns, despite completing only 60% of his passes. Running the ball, Allen had 10 carries for 82 yards and three touchdowns.

“We got our work cut out for us,” Campbell said. “He just does a phenomenal job at extending plays with not only his legs, but he’s got a cannon. His arm is unbelievable too. So this is really just honestly a unique player in this league and we have our work cut out for us, so it’s just going to come down to doing our job at the highest level and containing him.”


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