Why Jack Campbell Thinks Detroit’s Defense Has Another Level to Hit
The Detroit Lions’ defense has been steadily improving, and Sunday’s 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns showcased its growth. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins broke a few tackles, but Detroit largely contained Cleveland’s ground game and forced Joe Flacco into mistakes. For linebacker Jack Campbell, it all starts with one thing: stopping the run.
Campbell on the foundation of Detroit’s defense
Campbell broke down the defensive philosophy after the game, explaining how shutting down the run fuels everything else.
“I really feel like when you build a foundation of stopping the run, you’re gonna be able to get into that next element,” Campbell said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “I feel like we’ve done a good job of that. Honestly, this season, I feel like we could do a bit better job at it, but there’s also some things that make it a little hard based on formations and personnel and what team we’re playing. You’re going into a game and you’re playing Lamar Jackson, you’re gonna let up some rushing yards. The full focus this week was on the Browns, and I feel like we did a good job shutting it down. I’ve got a lot of respect for their backs over there, they do a good job. And their offensive line is really good at run blocking.”
Campbell’s words showed both accountability and respect for opponents, and a clear understanding of how the Lions want to play defensively.
Why stopping the run changed Sunday’s game
Cleveland came in hoping to control the clock and lean on Judkins, but Detroit didn’t allow it. By holding the Browns to just 82 rushing yards from their lead back, the Lions forced Flacco to throw more than he wanted. The result? Two interceptions and a lopsided time of possession.
Detroit’s run-stopping efforts allowed Aidan Hutchinson and the pass rush to tee off. Campbell’s 11 tackles and Hutchinson’s two sacks highlighted how effective the game plan was once the run was taken away.
Campbell’s growth as a defensive leader
What stands out about Campbell is how quickly he’s become a voice of the defense. His quote reflected more than just satisfaction with a win; it was a teaching point for how the Lions want to evolve week by week. He recognizes that some opponents, like Lamar Jackson, will test Detroit differently, but his emphasis on discipline and fundamentals is exactly what the Lions need in the middle of their defense.
The Bottom Line: Detroit’s defense starts with Campbell’s mindset
Jack Campbell isn’t just piling up tackles; he’s setting the tone for how the Lions defend. By focusing on stopping the run first, Detroit’s defense is able to dictate games and force quarterbacks into bad decisions. Against Cleveland, it worked to perfection. And if Campbell’s mindset continues to spread through the locker room, the Lions could soon have one of the most complete defenses in the NFL.
These Steelers are blowing past expectations and nobody saw it coming
Since the Pittsburgh Steelers are at their bye week, it's hard not to reflect on what we've witnessed thus far. This season has been marked by highs and lows, as the team has struggled to maintain consistency. Their roster has seen some players struggle during the first four games, while others have done terrifically.
Some who had little expectations entering the campaign are off to a roaring start.
Pittsburgh has shown its defense can be effective when it causes turnovers, while the offense has been relying on Aaron Rodgers to help the offense. Some players who didn't hold high hopes entering the season on both sides of the ball have come alive. One reason or another, not much publicity surrounded them this season, but at the bye week, they have done well.
Pittsburgh Steelers might need more of Austin, Herbig, and Warren the rest of the season
Calvin Austin III, WR
The search for the eventual receiver upgrade remains in the mix, but Calvin Austin III has shut down that speculation on several occasions this season. He failed to participate in most of the preseason process due to a lingering injury. His ability to stay healthy has always been one of his biggest issues. He has played at a solid pace through four games, but he did suffer another injury.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Austin suffered an injury in Week 4 that could keep him out of the lineup for a while. No matter how the rest of the campaign goes, Austin has shown that he belongs as a consistent contributor on offense. He isn't perfect, but he has done enough to make General Manager Omar Khan less desperate to add a playmaker via trade.
Nick Herbig, EDGE
Expectations weren't low for Nick Herbig, but no one thought he would do what he has done going into the bye week. The edge rusher has been third on the depth chart behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith for a while, but he should garner starting attention soon. He has been dominant with his pass rushing, which has led to several turnovers.
It has brought into question Highsmith's future.
Herbig has struggled to defend against the run at times, but it's hard to look past his pass-rushing prowess. Highsmith is almost the opposite of what Herbig brings, and the Steelers won't be able to pay their top three edge rushers. The odds of offloading Highsmith at the start of the season seemed ridiculous, but at Herbig's current rate, maybe Pittsburgh could consider it.
Jaylen Warren, RB
Everyone knew Jaylen Warren would be the top running back for Pittsburgh going into the season. No one knew how much of a difference maker he would become. He has been the sole source of the Steelers' rushing attack on several occasions. He has also been a solid option to catch passes out of the backfield. It has allowed a safety outlet for Rodgers to throw to in a pinch.
Warren was expected to be replaced by Kaleb Johnson at some point as the starter, but that doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon. Unfortunately, Warren missed the Week 4 contest due to an injury, but he should return after the bye week. He is a terrific piece for the Steelers offense to utilize. Missing him for any extent of time would drastically hurt their offense.
