ALLEN PARK -- The Jack Campbell that the Detroit Lions selected in the first round of the NFL draft last year is not the same one who is playing with a little more swagger this year. And the Lions would not have it any other way.
For a second consecutive year, the soft-spoken product from Cedar Falls, Iowa, is proving to be one of the most important pieces within Detroit’s front seven as he trends toward being one of their top two tacklers once again.
Campbell, who leads the Lions with 98 tackles, has not only taken over the green-dot responsibilities in the absence of Alex Anzalone, who is out of action with a broken forearm, but he is also becoming more vocal during preparation, speaking up in linebacker meetings and making sure the game plan is on point.
Lions linebacker coach Kelvin Sheppard shared Tuesday that Campbell would have been scared to be as assertive during his rookie year. However, the position coach is proud and appreciative of Campbell’s assertiveness, newfound voice, and overall progression as a player.
“I’m very pleased. I couldn’t be more happy than the he’s progressed,” Sheppard told reporters Thursday. “I think if you go back to the spring, I spoke with some of you all about his progression as a player coming in last year, no matter the route he went, the vision me and (Aaron Glenn), Dan had for that player. From what we saw on his tape, we knew there were things that needed to be corrected, and Jack took full accountability.
“And now you’re seeing that out there on the field. I told him the other day, I think it was leading up to the Green Bay game, I felt like (that) not just because I’m his coach, he’s playing at, if not the highest level, one of the highest levels, at that position in the league the last month.”
Sheppard isn’t far off. According to Statmuse, Campbell was fourth in tackles among all NFL linebackers with 41.
Last Thursday, he was a big part of Detroit’s 34-31 win over Green Bay, leading the team with eight tackles and a hit on quarterback Jordan Love.
This week, however, Campbell has a tough challenge ahead of him on Sunday when the Lions host the Buffalo Bills, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen.
“I feel like it starts up front,” Campbell said. “The offensive line is physical, their backs are physical, and obviously Josh Allen. And I feel like their tight ends do a good job blocking, and then they got receivers who are willing to block, which is kind of unusual in today’s game. So, I mean, it’s a physical offense. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re excited for it. It’s going to be a great opportunity.”
Allen is having a career-best year with 3,033 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. Although the Bills fell short to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Allen showcased how much of a threat he is with his arm and legs.
In the passing game, he threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns, even though he completed only 60% of his passes. Running the ball, Allen had 10 carries for 82 yards and three touchdowns.
“We got our work cut out for us,” Campbell said. “He just does a phenomenal job at extending plays with not only his legs, but he’s got a cannon. His arm is unbelievable too. So this is really just honestly a unique player in this league and we have our work cut out for us, so it’s just going to come down to doing our job at the highest level and containing him.”
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