ALLEN PARK — Clearly playing despite pain, Alex Anzalone exited the field a few times during the Detroit Lions’ victory against the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card game.
During the game, Anzalone’s shoulder injury was declared. Despite being deemed unlikely to play again, he managed to play 54 defensive repetitions and only miss four plays. Although the team captain and seasoned starting linebacker has a history of shoulder ailments, the Lions are optimistic that he will be fine going ahead.
Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions, stated, “I think he’ll be all right.” It’s not really pleasant. However, I’m sure that when he departed after receiving some therapy, he was in better shape than when he arrived. And you’re searching for that. Hey, Alex is resilient; he’s been there before. Yes, it does. It has great significance. That is, after all, the foundation upon which we are built.
In the end, it all boils down to the player’s self-belief. The distinction lies in their belief that they can still produce, even if they are not at 100%. And there are a ton of guys like that in our group.
Anzalone ended with eight tackles, a team best, two of which were for loss in the franchise’s first postseason win in more than three decades. Anzalone, who was named the fourth-best Lions defender of the game by Pro Football Focus, has been essential to the team’s turnaround in Detroit.
After the game, Anzalone said, “Yeah, I just had to get a little fix-me-up and I was good to go.” “I’m fine, just try to persevere and put your body on the line to win, and that’s what we did in those kinds of games,” the player said.
Additionally, tight end Sam LaPorta of the Lions returned to the starting lineup a week after sustaining a bone bruise and hyperextended knee. LaPorta caught every pass sent at him for a total of 14 yards and one score, which coincidentally transpired on the fourth down.
Campbell remarked, “LaPorta, you know, it was good to see him.” What a rough young man. to be inexperienced and accomplish what he could. was self-assured enough to approach and assist us.
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