By Mummy Grace 
In the Detroit Lions’ dominant 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, head coach Dan Campbell praised his injury-plagued defense for stepping up in a big way. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and the players were lauded for their performance, with Campbell acknowledging their control over the game.
Campbell’s Praise for the Defense
- “I can’t say enough about our defense,” Campbell said. “AG and the defense, they really controlled that game for us.” The defense was especially impressive, considering the injuries that had plagued them in recent weeks.
Impact of Alex Anzalone’s Return
The return of linebacker Alex Anzalone, who had been sidelined since November 17 after breaking his arm, was a game-changer. Campbell noted how important Anzalone’s leadership and energy were in the victory.
- “He’s really our quarterback on defense,” Campbell said. “There’s a lot of confidence he brings, a lot of energy, he can calm the storms.”
- Campbell expressed that Anzalone’s return happened faster than expected, praising him for getting back to his previous form without missing a beat. As a result, Anzalone received a game ball for his contributions.
Dominant Secondary Performance
The Lions’ secondary played an integral role in limiting the Vikings’ potent receivers, specifically Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Jefferson was held to just three catches for 54 yards, while Addison was shut out completely.
- “They covered their tails off for most of that game,” Campbell said, further highlighting the strong effort from the defensive backs.
Overall Defensive Mindset
Campbell credited the defense’s preparation and mindset going into the game. He emphasized that they were “fully ready” and “set the tone” from the beginning.
- “Our defense was fully ready to take the field and do what they needed to do,” Campbell stated. “That was the mindset.”
The defense certainly delivered, giving the Lions a huge advantage and helping them secure a crucial victory.
In summary, Detroit’s defense, led by a key return and stellar coverage, was the main reason behind the blowout win, and Campbell made sure to give credit where it was due.