hello Detroit Lions fans today we're going to talk about one of the pillars of our defense veteran linebacker Alex anzelone after an exceptional season in 2023 anzalone is confident that 2024 can be even better thanks to the new additions to the Lions defense let's explore what to expect this season and how these changes could impact our performance Alex anzalone is coming off the best season of his NFL career with 129 tackles 85 solo seven tackles for loss 3.0 sacks and 12 quarterback hits with such a solid performance he has become an essential leader for the Lions defense for 2024 anzelone believes the team can surpass its past achievements due to significant changes on defense both in the defensive line in front of him and the secondary behind him I know the Playbook has changed a little bit in the secondary we can do some different things trusting guys more to cover their guys that obviously affects the linebacker enone said this week we can play more aggressively and don't have to help in the zone as much which allows us to make more plays in the passing game as a linebacker that helps a lot the Lions reached the NFC Championship last season despite a defense that ranked 19th in yards allowed per game 336.00 in points allowed 22.1 and 27th against the pass 247.5kg best team in the NFL in defense against the Run game if they can maintain that Effectiveness against the Run game and improve significantly against the pass the defense could take a big leap forward in 2024 obviously it was an area that needed Improvement anzalone said of the upgrades in the secondary this off season with the additions of cornerbacks Carlton Davis 3 amck Robertson tyon Arnold and Enis rraw junor they addressed that quickly in free agency through of Trades and even in the draft past defense def is one of the most important defensive stats in football so this will obviously help us moving forward Lions coach Dan Campbell mentioned this week that he still doesn't know who the starting secondary will be for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on September 8th and he's relishing the uncertainty it's a great place to be Campbell said we have so many options now so much competitiveness defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and I talk about it again Brad Holmes and I talk about it every night the talent level the competitiveness the versatility with all these changes and improvements to the defense 2024 promises to be an exciting season for Lions fans Alex anzelone is ready to lead a renewed more aggressive and versatile defense if we can balance our pass defense with our already strong run defense the Lions can go even further this season stay tuned and keep rooting for our team let's go lions