Film Review: How Detroit Lions' Defensive Line Revived Pass Rush

The Detroit Lions heard the concerns and took the criticism on the chin. 

Aaron Glenn's defensive unit was facing heat after recording just one sack through two games in 2023. As a result, the group bounced back by sacking Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder seven times in the Lions' Week 3 win. 

Below is a film breakdown of how each of the seven quarterback takedowns came to be, and why the Lions' pass rush was so successful. 

Benito Jones 

Two plays prior, Ridder hit Drake London for a gain of 28 yards over the top of Cam Sutton. On the play after, the Lions allowed the passer to escape the pocket and scramble for two yards. 

On this play, though, Benito Jones makes a big statement. 

The play starts with a stretch play-action fake that takes Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson out of the play. Had he not taken the fake, he could've stepped up and at the very least chipped Jones on his route to the quarterback. 

There isn't a special stunt drawn up on this specific rush, as Jones simply wins in 1-on-1 with Atlanta center Drew Dalman. He swims past Dalman, using his outside hand to create space before lifting with his inside hand, then takes down Ridder unblocked. 

Atlanta right guard Chris Lindstrom tries to help, but Jones has already created too much separation for the extra blocker to make much of a difference. 

Derrick Barnes

Occurring the very next play, the Lions deployed their NASCAR pass-rush package with the Falcons suddenly facing a third-and-long. With James Houston on IR, Derrick Barnes takes the position on the outside alongside Aidan Hutchinson, John Cominsky and Charles Harris. 

Barnes winds up getting the sack, but some of the credit belongs to Hutchinson. For starters, Barnes is re-routed by a chip from tight end John FitzPatrick before matching up 1-on-1 with right tackle Kaleb McGary. 

In that time, Hutchinson scoots past rookie Matthew Bergeron. He creates leverage with his inside shoulder, then stands the rookie up as he lowers his body and races toward Ridder. 

The passer is forced to retreat from the pocket and runs right into Barnes after narrowly evading Hutchinson. 

Alim McNeill

The Lions are able to generate heat simply by winning 1-on-1 once again. Alim McNeill slips through a combo block by Atlanta's right guard and tackle, as the guard neglects him and moves inside. 

Meanwhile, Hutchinson once again wins his 1-on-1. With both defenders racing after him following a play-action fake, Ridder slips to the turn in an effort to evade the rush. 

Jack Campbell

The first career sack for the rookie takes place on the final snap of the first half. The previous play saw the Lions bring exactly zero pressure, but on this play Glenn dials up the rush and sends five. 

Campbell initiates contact with the right guard just as Ridder is stepping up in the pocket. As the passer rolls out, Campbell quickly disengages his blocker and gets just enough of Ridder's ankle to end the half with his first career sack.