BB.Lions’ Tackling Titans: Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone Dominate NFL’s Elite Stops Leaders
Key Points:
- Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone are more than just run stuffers
- They both rank among the best in a key category
- Detroit will take on Minnesota this weekend
The Detroit Lions’ defense is known for its two most productive pass rushers, linebacker Al-Qadin Muhammad and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
The Lions put pressure on the quarterback in myriad other ways, including through fellow linebackers Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone.
On Friday, Anzalone and Campbell were spotlighted for their ability to put pressure on the quarterback, including Campbell, who has improved his numbers in that department this season.
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell defends Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Campbell, Anzalone Impress on Pass Rush
Campbell and Anzalone both rank among the NFL’s top 16 linebackers on the pass rush according to a report from Al Karsten.
“Detroit Lions LB Jack Campbell ranks 11th among all linebackers with a 13.9% pass rush win rate – a steady climb from 2.6% in 2023 and 10.9% in 2024,” Karsten wrote.
“Alex Anzalone isn’t far behind, ranking 16th (12.5%) giving Detroit two top-20 off-ball rushers.”
“Our linebacking group with Derrick Barnes also might be the best in the NFL,” one person replied.
Lions Duo Faces Minnesota Next
Both Detroit linebackers have become fan favorites this season as the Lions prepare to take on the Vikings this weekend at Ford Field.
Anzalone’s range and grittiness combine smoothly with Campbell’s heads-up play and leadership skills in the middle of Detroit’s linebacker corps.
Anzalone has 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the season so far while Campbell has also impressed with 34 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
The Vikings’ running game hasn’t been up to par this season but Kevin O’Connell’s team has the skill players to give the Lions a hard time on Sunday.
Anzalone and Campbell will be tasked with stopping the run game before it gets started, and to pressure J.J. McCarthy into mistakes in his first game back from a high ankle sprain.
Sunday’s game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET giving fans a chance to watch the Lions’ swarming, Kelvin Sheppard led defense in person against one of their historical rivals.
