The Lions' latest win came at a cost.
Linebacker and co-captain Alex Anzalone broke his forearm in the team's 52-6 rout of the Jaguars on Sunday and will "be out six to eight weeks," said Dan Campbell.
It's a big blow to Detroit's defense, which has already suffered several key losses in the front seven in the likes of Aidan Hutchinson, Derrick Barnes and Marcus Davenport. But it's nothing the Lions can't overcome, as they proved Sunday with their eighth straight win.
Malcolm Rodriguez will likely get most of the playing time in Anzalone's absence, while Jack Campbell will take over as the green-dot linebacker making the calls in the middle of the defense.
"Everybody knows what Alex does for us as a defense," said defensive tackle Alim McNeill. "He does a lot of communicating, so it’ll be tough (without him). But with the type of guys we have here and the preparing that our coaches do for us throughout the week, I feel like we’ll be able to have somebody come into that spot to do the exact same thing and make the calls.
"If it’s Jack, I don’t feel like we’re missing too much of a beat there. We do want Anzo, for sure, but if you’re putting somebody there, I think it’ll be Jack and I think we’ll be good."
Campbell played the green-dot role at times last season, and often alternates with Anzalone throughout games.
"They really go back and forth," said McNeill. "Anzo makes the calls and if Anzo needs a breath or something, Jack will make it. So honestly, he’s already been doing it."
Still, the Lions will miss Anzalone's athleticism and his ability to make plays in coverage. Rodriguez has some of the same traits, but not the same length. Anzalone entered Sunday's game second on the team in tackles to Jack Campbell.
A six-week recovery would take Anzalone into the final week of the regular season. Eight weeks would stretch into the first round of the playoffs. If the Lions secure a first-round bye, Anzalone could well return without missing a playoff game.