The Detroit Lions secured the division and number one seed in the NFC on Sunday night at Ford Field with a dominating 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Despite their franchise-best 15 wins and only two losses, the path to this point has been anything but easy. The organization has dealt with an onslaught of key injuries, particularly on the defensive side of the football.

Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL, but to lose as many key players as the Lions have and still be productive and win games, now that is an outstanding feat. The credit can attributed to the strong foundation that head coach Dan Campbell has built paired with their defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who will field many head coaching interviews this offseason.

Glenn and his defense have overcome so much adversity, but there is one player in particular that should be recognized as a true difference maker: veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone.

Anzalone was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft before joining the Lions in 2021 via free agency. The 6-foot-3 inch 240 pound linebacker has solidified himself as a leader of the defense and on March 13, 2023, signed a three-year $18.75 million contract extension.

During the Lions’ quest for the number one seed in the NFC, Anzalone suffered a broken left forearm in the team’s week 11 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Losing Anzalone and his presence was immediately felt as the defense ended up giving up more points than normal. He was ultimately placed on the injured reserve, but there was a chance that he could return to the playoffs – and did in week 18.

It is evident that Anzalone could be the reason that this Lions team makes it far in the playoffs. It could also be the reason that they make the Super Bowl for the first time in their franchise’s history. He is not just a leader, he also produced on the biggest stage of the season as he registered 64 of 65 snaps and recorded a team-high seven tackles, one quarterback hit, one pass defense, and was awarded a game ball for his efforts by Coach Campbell.

The 30-year-old veteran changed the entire defensive communication and performance for the better. He covers extremely well, often times blanketing opposing tight ends and helping the secondary while being in the heart of the defense.

If the Lions want to reach the Super Bowl, Anzalone being healthy is one step in the right direction.