Lions Training Camp Preview: Can Jack Campbell Save Defense?
Detroit Lions Jack Campbell is now the official leader of the 2026 defense. Can he shine without Alex Anzalone?
Video Transcript
Let's start.
What's the saving grace of your Detroit Lions defense?
Two aspects, Aiden Hutchinson and Jack Campbell.
I think clearly Jack Campbell is now your defensive leader.
How are you feeling, Chad, about Jack Campbell?
Let me know.
Can he pull off a great feat and be a similar captain, leader like Alex Anloni was?
Remember, he lost Alex Anloni.
He was a vet, whatever you thought about him, whatever you thought about his contract situation last year, it caused a little bit of noise, and it was clear that the football team was moving in a new direction.
And Jack Campbell got a 4-year $81 million dollar deal.
He didn't break the market.
He ended up being around the 2nd highest paid linebacker, and he's now tasked with leading your defense.
I think that's the unit where you say, OK, are there any positives to talk about with your Detroit Lions defense?
Yes, it's not all negative.
The concerns with the defensive line, the injuries to the safeties.
The cornerbacks, we'll break those down, but let's start with probably if you say, Doc is so negative.
The best part about your defense is Jack Campbell.
He represents everything your defense is about, rugged, tough-nosed, no nonsense, get to work, grind, and handle business.
And because of that attitude.
He's still on the team, unlike others.
He was hosting a camp back in Iowa, was not at the casino.
He was giving back to the community.
And so you realize that Jack Campbell is kind of more in line with what the Lions are looking for in terms of just handle your business, produce, grow, get a little better steadily, and be professional.
Now, last year he had 176 tackles, the most for any Lions player.
Since Chris Spielman in '94.
He had a 40% run stop win rate, fifth among linebackers.
And so, I do think at the at the very basic level, he can quiet the critics about positional value in terms of his productivity and what he brings to the table.
