The Detroit Lions’ defense has been one of the most formidable units in the NFL this season, as the group is allowing 20.8 points per game and 97.0 rushing yards per game, both ranking in the top ten. Though Aaron Glenn’s defense has been exceptional for most of the year, they have struggled over the last few weeks, and the injuries the unit has endured in 2024 may be catching up to them.
Detroit’s defense has allowed over 31 points in three of the past four games, as the group is showing signs of weakness. The Lions have had multiple key defensive starters miss time due to injury this season, and the defense’s injuries and recent struggles have many doubting if the unit can be good enough to propel the team to a Super Bowl title.
Linebacker and team captain Alex Anzalone spoke to the media about the defense’s recent blunders and had a strong message for those who doubt them.
Anzalone called it “b*******” for those who feel that Detroit’s defense isn’t good enough to win the Super Bowl, per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. The 30-year-old has all the confidence in the world in his group, and it sounds like Anzalone could also be on the brink of a return from injury.
#Lions LB Alex Anzalone has a steel plate in his left forearm. Says he’s still unsure if he’ll play this week against Minnesota. He’s certainly not close to 100% but called it “bullsh*t” for those who feel that Detroit’s defense isn’t good enough to win the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/19xX8o4b93
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) January 2, 2025
Alex Anzalone injury update
Anzalone broke his forearm during the Lions’ Week 11 contest versus the Jacksonville Jaguars and was placed on Injured Reserve days after the game. But the former Florida standout was activated off IR on Wednesday and was a full participant in practice on Thursday.
Here is the full #Lions practice report.
Alex Anzalone (forearm) was a full participant today. pic.twitter.com/816Vd2QIQF
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) January 2, 2025
Though the 2017 third-round pick is nearing a highly anticipated return, Anzalone admitted on Thursday that he might not be ready to play on Sunday when the Lions square off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18.
“Obviously, the doctors and the trainers they go through what the risks are: waiting a week, waiting two weeks, going through practice, maybe letting it spin next week or the week after that or this week,” Anzalone said Thursday. “So I think that for me personally, I think it’s like, ‘Okay, say if something did happen, would I be okay not playing in the Super Bowl?’ So I think that’s kind of the decision I have to make in my own head, and is it worth it? How do I feel going over these next few practices? And go from there, because I haven’t practiced in six weeks. So, I’m just using my arm and seeing how it goes.”
It’s safe to say that Anzalone is itching to return, but the veteran won’t rush things and wants to make sure that he is 100% ready before stepping back onto the field. As for the people who are doubting the Lions’ defense, Anzalone couldn’t be more motivated to prove them wrong.
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