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.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Makes Vow Amid Depth Chart Shake-Up
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders says he’s done feeding into the drama.
Sanders is arguably the most high-profile fifth-round pick in NFL history, with every move scrutinized under a national spotlight. He recently made waves for miming his responses to a reporter’s questions in the locker room. It was a not-so-subtle clapback at former NFL coach Rex Ryan, who had criticized him on national television, saying Sanders was “embarrassing himself” by “running his mouth.”
Sanders was asked about his actions on Thursday but cut off the question.
“You just trying to start something, you feel me?” Sanders said. “We’re not on no negativity from now on, man, we’re not doing that. I’m just here to be positive and I don’t speak on anything negative. So that’s the new way. That’s what we’re going forward with. Anything negative, we’re not talking about it. We’re not speaking on it.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Focused on Supporting Dillon Gabriel
After some speculation that practice squad passer Bailey Zappe could jump him on the depth chart, Sanders was officially named the backup quarterback on Friday.
Prior to the decision, Sanders said that his focus is on supporting starter Dillon Gabriel and remaining ready in case his number is called.
“We’re going to make sure we do everything we can to make sure Dillon is ready for the game,” Sanders said. “So each and every day, even when Joe (Flacco) was the starter, everything. Prepare the right way and be ready to know that you could get out there any point in time. So, I’m overly confident within myself. I know when I first got here, I’m ready to play, but it’s up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, then I’m fine with.”
It’s been an adjustment for Sanders stepping into a backup role after being the star everywhere he’s played. Still, he says he’s embracing his role in Cleveland — at least for now.
“I’m in a great mental space overall, so I would say you tend to get a little bit more excited when you see a light at the end of the tunnel, for sure,” Sanders said. “So my job at first was to prepare the defense, and I think I did a pretty good job. Nah, but they got Myles Garrett and everybody over there, so, you know.
“But anyways, I think I did a pretty good job, and whatever my role is here, I’m thankful and I’m happy just to do that.”
Browns Praise Shedeur Sanders for Improvement
Many experts had Sanders going in the first round. But he tumbled to pick No. 144, where the Browns scooped him up. Cleveland views Sanders as a developmental quarterback, but praised the former Colorado star for the strides he has made.
“For Shedeur, we’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he’s done that,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. “You see the growth, and the familiarity of the offense and what we’re asking of those guys. The level of preparation it takes week-to-week, when you’re putting a new game plan together, that’s a learning curve for all rookies.”
