Detroit Lions Film Review Shows Jack Campbell Has Best NFL Game

Tackle for loss

One of the biggest takeaways from re-watching Campbell's performance is how fast he played. There was no timidness from the No. 18 overall pick, as he flew to the football throughout the afternoon. 

This tackle for loss is a prime example. He reads his keys and sees the guard on his side block down. When the tackle follows suit, it creates an open lane for Campbell to get to the football. 

Josh Paschal does a good job beating Andrus Peat to the inside, taking away the hole for running back Jamaal Williams. Campbell sprints through his open gap and is able to take Williams to the turf for a loss of yards. 

A key to this is Campbell getting downhill right away. He doesn't take a false step backward, reading run the whole way. As a result, he's able to utilize his instincts and make the play for the defense. 

Good run fit

Once again, here's Campbell making a good play against the run. This specific snap demonstrates his ability to adjust his alignment while still effectively reacting to his keys and making a play on the ball. 

When the Saints send jet motion from right to left across the formation, Campbell shifts inside. He doesn't bite on the jet sweep fake, rather keeping his eyes on the actions of the offensive line to correctly diagnose the run play. 

James Hurst is responsible for blocking Campbell on this play, but the rookie beats him to the point of contact. Hurst is late getting to the second level and is beat as a result. 

Aidan Hutchinson blows this play up by shedding right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, stopping Alvin Kamara in his tracks. Campbell is able to finish the play, bringing down the talented running back for a loss. 

Block shed and finding the ball

Lined up off the center on this play, Campbell doesn't move when the Saints send motion out of the backfield. This indicates that the personnel grouping is a tell for the Lions. 

With Taysom Hill in the game at quarterback, Detroit is keying on the run. On the snap, Campbell's first instinct is to take away the A gap and he engages the center. Hill reacts by taking his carry to the outside. 

Hutchinson sets a good edge but is unable to corral the quarterback when he cuts upfield. Campbell sheds his blocker then shoves another out of his way, creating an open path to making the tackle on Hill. 

Hill gave the Lions problems throughout Sunday's game. The Lions acknowledged his impact leading up to the game, yet his diverse skill set still proved to be tough to stop. 

On this play, though, the rookie linebacker proved to have the answer for Hill with a stop at the line of scrimmage. 

Angles

Once again, Hill is in the game at quarterback on this snap. The Saints down block to the inside, while the fake handoff goes to the outside. With a pulling blocker across the formation, Campbell pounds his feet as New Orleans sets up a counter. 

The look here is for Ramczyk to combo block the first level and work his way up to blocking the nearest linebacker. Yet, the veteran offensive lineman is unable to do so after falling to the turf. 

Because Campbell keeps his feet active, he doesn't get caught up in the chaos at the line of scrimmage and is able to get out and make the play on Hill. Cam Sutton sets the edge, and Campbell is able to get to Hill and finish the play. 

The rookie has good agility for his position, as demonstrated here. His instincts flashed once again, as he trusted his keys to eventually make the play. Also to be noted here is his closing speed, as he gets to Hill in a hurry.