The Detroit Lions have been impressive defensively this season in spite of a laundry list of injuries. The return of linebacker Alex Anzalone for the regular season finale was impactful, as the Minnesota Vikings were held to just nine points.
The visual analytic representation (DVOA) of the Lions defense after Anzalone suffered a broken forearm in Week 11 matched the eye test during his absence (more than 30 points allowed in three of four games from Week 14-17).
Unsurprisingly, the defense looked more organized with its leader back, which was a big reason the Lions had such a commanding performance. Playing all but one defensive snap, Anzalone took over the game and helped the Lions shut down the Vikings' offense.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell is well aware of what Anzalone brings to the mix as the Lions now prepare to take on the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
"Alex (Anzalone) is always going to help. Having him back the other day paid huge dividends. It was one of the reasons that we did well, that we played a really good game defensively. He's certainly one of those reasons, so to get him back (with) the production he brings (and) athlete (he is). Then, just what he brings mentally because he understands the game well. He studies. He'll know this offense. He'll know what they're trying to do, and can kind of help everybody out around him. So it helps having him."
Dan Campbell eventually gets to one area where Alex Anzalone was most impactful in his return
The Lions will have to deal with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the Divisional Round. He can extend plays and take off and run. So pressure will be on Detroit's secondary and linebackers to not only tackle well in the open field, but pursue Daniels well when he becomes a runner.
Fortunately, Anzalone brings those elements to the mix. Speaking with "Costa and Jansen with Heather" on 97.1 The Ticket Tuesday morning, Campbell was asked what area Anzalone impacted the most in his return to action. He couldn't really focus on just one.
"Probably the easiest answer is where did he not impact the game. Maybe there was one of those somewhere, I don't know where that's at...he impacted the game in multiple areas, multiple ways."
Campbell talked about Anzalone's knowledge of the Lions' defense, his smarts, his leadership as a captain and the "three layers of a player" he is. Then he honed in on one area Anzalone made the most impact.
"I just think him really getting everything set up, the chess pieces, all of that force. Then just his hustle and hit. His coverability. You asked for one (impact area), I'm going to give you coverability. That was probably the biggest impact, but there was more than just that. It's great to have him back."
With Daniels' ability as a dual threat, Zach Ertz at tight end and a good pass catching running back in Austin Ekeler, Anzalone will play a huge role in the effort to limit the Commanders' offense. To put it plainly, Anzalone will be the most important Lions' defender on Saturday night.
