Lions Compare Jack Campbell to All-Time Great NFL Linebackers
The Detroit Lions linebackers unit is currently playing at an elite level.
Led by veteran Alex Anzalone, the team has also seen tremendous growth from Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes.
As a result, the team has seen the defense become quite opportunistic forcing turnovers and growing in regards to both their ability to limit the run and pass.
For Campbell, his third-year has seen the former first-round pick assume the responsiblity of wearing the green-dot.
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard showered the former Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker with praise this week. The talented linebacker has taken on a leadership role, is growing tremendously understanding why certain plays are called and is gaining a very deep understanding of the game on a weekly basis.
“It’s rare when you’re talking about a guy that can call the game as a player. It is because of the time it takes. A lot of these guys are talented and that kind of bites a lot of these guys because when you hit a certain talent peak, you feel like you don’t need to do certain things," said Sheppard. "And that’s just human nature, like, ‘I don’t need to study extra. I know I’ve got this guy, I’m going to go eliminate him.’ But when you start to see those elite of the elite who has the athletic ability and all the skillset but also they feel like it’s never good enough, it’s never enough. ‘Yeah I mastered the scheme but now I want to know why you’re saying that coach.’ That’s kind of rare."
Sheppard noted that Campbell is now starting to become in the category of Pro Football of Hame players at his position, based on his growing understanding of the game and his ability to now see the game from a coaches perspective as well.
"You’re starting to get into that upper echelon of the green dot linebackers in this League that you’ve seen throughout the course. I’m talking go back to (Brian) Urlacher, go back to Ray (Lewis), you go back to all of these guys that’s been able to do that. (Luke) Kuechly. And these guys that you’ve seen be able to adjust on the run in-game without a coach having to be over their shoulder," said Sheppard. "It’s rare and we have the luxury of having two of them."
Detroit's first-year defensive coordinator also wanted to acknowledge publicly Anzalone's efforts this season as well.
"It’s not just Jack," said Sheppard. "Alex (Anzalone) actually has been doing this for two, three years now. So, to have him out there without the green dot, it’s almost like Jack sometimes, you’ll see him look and (Lions LB Alex Anzalone) Anzo’s like, ‘Yeah.’ And it’s like Batman and Robin and with those two on the field, they’re the calming presence in the storm.
"When things are hectic, when things are getting a little frustrated out there, they’re the guys that say, ‘Hey, this is what we’re doing. We’re good. This is why he called that, we’re good," Sheppard commented further. "Trust me, it was a good call.’ They’re able to echo that message that I’m bringing in the locker room and in the huddle with the players that I know hits a little different.”
Latest Injury Update and Timeline for Jalen McMillan
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be the most oft-injured team in the NFL. Whether it be Mayfield’s recent injury or the countless ones to their star receivers, the injury bug keeps on nagging them. However, they may finally be receiving positive news surrounding one of their second year talents that could make for some interesting decisions in the offense.
McMillan’s Progress Toward a Return
In the preseason, the Bucs lost second year wide receiver Jalen McMillan to a gruesome neck injury. While his timeline then was unknown, he is getting loser to a comeback now that the regular season was in full swing. For the first time in a while, McMillan was seen at Bucs practice without a neck brace as early as last week. While this doesn’t completely confirm a return, Greg Auman, who reported on this news, suggested a potential return date next month. This timeline is highly important for several reasons. First of all, with a lot of offensive talent for the Bucs already out and facing extended time on the sidelines, Jalen McMillan’s return would be very much welcomed. Add in the fact that the Bucs are still holding onto a playoff spot and McMillan’s return feels like it will help them in getting there. Still, with the emergence of other talents such as Emeka Egbuka, chances are McMillan’s role in the offense may not be as defined as people think.
Just an observer, but good to see Bucs receiver Jalen McMillan at practice today. No neck brace again, supposedly targeting a December return.
Offensive Depth and December Implications
Egbuka already has 45 catches for 717 yards and six touchdowns this season, to put his breakout into perspective. No other Bucs receiver has reached 350 yards as of yet however. Adding Jalen McMillan to the fold could bolster the corps. When is the major question. If he is able to return in December, he could be there for a crucial stretch run for the Bucs as four of their last five games are against NFC South foes. In a potential division race against the sneaky Panthers, I would expect the Bucs would want all of their weapons at their disposal. McMillan’s return is also highly dependent on the timelines of other stars for Tampa as well. Bucky Irving could be back this week at the earliest. Chris Godwin has already returned. Mike Evans, who many thought would be out for the year, could also be expected to return before the end of the year. With all these other players either coming back soon, Tanpa may not have to rush McMillan back into action. Therefore, a December return should be most likely.
While somewhat of a disappointing timeline, this is still a great testament to McMillan’s perseverance after a very horrible injury befalling him. The fact that we are even talking about his potential return is incredible. Still, Bucs fans may have to temper expectations as more and more players make their returns. After all, there is going to be a ton of mouths to feed once everyone is back, McMillan included. For now, they should just begin to relish the chance that maybe, just maybe, Jalen McMillan will be back on a football field sooner than expected.
