Breaking: Detroit Lions Bolster Defense Following Bears Win

The Detroit Lions received some encouraging news following their hard-fought Thanksgiving victory over the Chicago Bears. Despite extending their impressive record to 11-1 with a narrow 23-20 win, the team continues to grapple with mounting injuries, particularly on defense.

However, Lions fans have reason to celebrate as the team has made a significant addition to bolster their injury-riddled defense.

Lions Add Reinforcements on Defense

Veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander has joined the Detroit Lions, stepping in to provide much-needed depth to the team’s depleted linebacking corps. ESPN analyst Adam Schefter broke the news on Friday via X, reporting, “Lions are signing former Pro-Bowl linebacker Kwon Alexander from the Broncos’ practice squad, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.”

The 30-year-old inside linebacker brings valuable experience, having started two games and appeared in one as a reserve for Denver this season.

Alexander’s arrival is timely, as Detroit has faced a series of injuries on defense. Most notably, inside linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez suffered a torn ACL during the game against Chicago. Rodriguez had been filling in for Alex Anzalone, who remains on injured reserve with a broken arm and is not expected to return for at least a month. Additionally, linebackers Derrick Barnes and Jalen Reeves-Maybin are sidelined with injuries.

Alexander also has a connection to Lions head coach Dan Campbell, having played for the New Orleans Saints in 2020 when Campbell was an assistant coach. Over his career, Alexander has suited up for Tampa Bay, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, the New York Jets, New Orleans, and Denver, bringing a wealth of experience to Detroit.

Next, the Lions prepare to host the Green Bay Packers for Thursday Night Football in Week 14.

Dan Campbell Reflects on the Win

Head coach Dan Campbell’s postgame speeches have become legendary, and his Thanksgiving address to the team was no exception.

“If you’re not careful with where we’re at, you start grading the wins,” Campbell told his players. “And we need to do that to an extent because that’s how you continue to get better. We’ve got our standards. But you also have to step back for a minute and say, ‘Man, it’s not easy to win in this league.’ Every week is different, and the most important thing is to find a way to win the game.”

Campbell praised his players’ resilience, adding, “If you’re not built the way we are, you don’t win that game. We came out, and we were hummin’ pretty good. It wasn’t perfect. We gave them life, then they started coming back. And it took a lot.” He also gave credit to the defense, saying, “How about our defense, man? How about our defense.”

The coach wrapped up his speech with a Thanksgiving message, expressing gratitude for his team.

“So listen, man, I’m thankful for every one of you guys in this room,” Campbell said. “And you’ve got a lot to be thankful for—we all do. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.”