CBS Sports: The Lions are benefiting from sensational new arrivals of two seasoned signings.
Despite the Detroit Lions defensive lines being in disarray, two seasoned signings in their debut season are making waves.
In the team’s 23–20 victory over the Chicago Bears, DJ Reader was the best player on the field at times and had two sacks. Za’Darius Smith finished with 1.5 sacks, including the one that saved Thanksgiving. Each had three hits on the quarterback.
The Bears botched two downs, threw one up as time ran out, and did not utilize their last timeout, but Smith’s ability to bring rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to the grass on that final sack set off a frantic final thirty seconds.
Alim McNeill said that other from attempting to hurry the passing, he had no idea what was happening. However, he was taken aback when the play ended and the clock struck zero.
After the game, Smith spoke of his massive sack, “I missed him twice at the beginning.” “I’m not sure whether everyone noticed that one. I convinced myself that even if I missed him, I wouldn’t miss him if I had another chance.
Smith is in his first season in Detroit, as is Reader. At this year’s trade deadline, the Lions acquired Smith and signed Reader in free agency.
Along with providing valuable experienced leadership and a ton of enthusiasm to the locker room, the combination is producing on the field.
Despite losing several starters and key players, including as Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Alex Anzalone, and Derick Barnes, McNeill’s pairing with those two veterans has kept the defense at a high level.
In addition to Josh Paschal and Al-Quadin Muhammad, Dan Campbell commended Reader, Smith, and McNeill for stepping up and helping them win that game.
About his new surroundings, Smith described them as a “young, hungry football team.” “Clearly, they haven’t been that good throughout the years. However, things have completely changed around here lately, with young men eager to learn more and receiving additional labor after practice.
“You don’t get that with the young men wherever you go. I’m thrilled that everyone is paying attention and buying in.
