This is a pretty cool interview with our assistant DLine coach and Tim Twentyman. I can’t be the only one in kool aid overload right now. I really feel like this has the potential to be the best defensive line we have had in my lifetime watching the Lions (early 2000’s). Alim is going to take a massive step forward this season. He may even rival Hutch as our best player on defense. The waves of players we can throw at teams is seriously impressive.
Hutch
Houston
Romeo
Paschal
Harris
McNeil
Buggs
Cominsky
Julian Okwara
Brodric Martin
I also don’t think it’s a stretch to say this secondary has a chance to be a top notch unit as well. Our safety trio of CJGJ, Walker, and Kerby may be the best in the NFL. That’s not even mentioning the best safety in the 2023 draft in Brian Branch. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Melifonwu played some quality snaps this year.
At CB we aren’t quite as strong, but thankfully we have CJGJ and Branch who excel in the slot in nickel and dime packages. Sutton has been a very sound starter and is a proven veteran. Jerry Jacobs is fully healthy and was probably our best CB last year. Add in Moseley, who was playing like a top 25 CB prior to his injury and this unit has some serious potential.
Overall, I would say this secondary is top 10 in the NFL.
The LBers are probably our weakest group. The thing is though, they could be pretty damn good this year. Anzalone played like a legit starting LBer during those final ten games. With even better talent around him, that solid play should continue. I have said this before of this forum, but I am completely sold on Jack Campbell. This kid is going to be the face of this defense for the next ten years. He has DROY potential. Behind him we have two guys who have started games for us and shown legit potential. Rodriguez is a starting LBer in the NFL. Barnes needs to take another step, but has a role as a physical presence on run downs.
This group could be way better than expected if Campbell can make an early impact.
This defense will be a top 5 defense this year. I’m completely buying in. We may have the best young talent in the league on defense (2 years or less of experience).
It almost feels crazy to have this level of confidence in this team, but there isn’t a team on our schedule that I don’t think we could dominate on any given Sunday. If you were to tell me that on 2-11-24 the Detroit Lions were crowned Super Bowl champions after coming off a 15-2 regular season I wouldn’t be surprised.
I’m not saying those are my expectations for this season, but this team legitimately has that ceiling. I have never been able to say that before in my life. It’s an awesome feeling to have. The wait for opening day feels like an eternity away. Not sure if I’ve ever been more hyped for a Lions game in my life.