How the Lions Defense Responded to Jack Campbell's Absence Against Miami

After a difficult week, the Detroit Lions responded with Jack Campbell on their minds, taking down the Miami Dolphins 19–9 in a defensive victory. Before the game, several coaches and players wore Campbell’s No. 46 jersey to honor their team captain. This marked Detroit’s first game of the season without Campbell and the first game he has missed in his NFL career, highlighting just how durable and dependable he has been throughout his time in the league.

With Campbell sidelined, Detroit needed someone to step up and take over his responsibilities on defense. As many fans know, Campbell wears the green dot, meaning he receives play calls and communicates directly with defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. In his absence, Derrick Barnes stepped into that role and wore the green dot against Miami.

Earlier this week, Campbell expressed his desire to return to football. Nothing would make Lions fans happier than seeing their team captain back in Honolulu blue. When Dan Campbell was asked about Jack Campbell’s comments regarding his potential return, he responded, “Are you surprised by anything from Jack? That’s Jack.”

Against Miami, Detroit’s defense certainly stepped up in its captain’s absence. The unit allowed just 228 total offensive yards and nine points while recording one interception by Chuck Clark. Malcolm Rodriguez led the defense with eight tackles and added a pass deflection.

Newly signed linebacker K.J. Britt was active for the game but did not see any action. Meanwhile, Joe Bachie and Amen Ogbongbemiga, who were elevated from the practice squad, each played just one snap.

The majority of the linebacker responsibilities fell on three players. Rodriguez handled the WILL linebacker position, playing 55 total snaps, while Trevor Nowaske played 31 snaps at SAM. Barnes took on the biggest workload, playing all 57 defensive snaps at right inside linebacker while handling the green dot.

Detroit also received some impressive contributions from its pass rushers. Although Derrick Moore and Anthony Lucas are listed as right outside linebackers, both primarily contributed as pass rushers.

Moore played 33 snaps and earned his best PFF defensive grade of the season with a 71.7 overall mark. He recorded two sacks, three quarterback hurries and five total pressures. For context, Moore had recorded just five total pressures entering Sunday’s matchup, making this a significant performance.

Undrafted free agent Anthony Lucas also made his NFL debut, playing 11 snaps and earning a 66.1 overall PFF grade. He finished with one pressure and one quarterback hurry.

Over the last four weeks, Detroit’s defense has continued to improve, allowing fewer points in each of its last four games. The Cardinals scored 21 points, the Packers managed 17, and the Vikings were held to 15 last week. Against Miami, Detroit took another step forward, limiting the Dolphins to just nine points.

Following the game, Aidan Hutchinson spoke with CBS reporter Melanie Collins and made sure to send a message to his injured teammate.

“Jack, we love you, brother. We know you’re watching. Miss you, man.”

Campbell’s absence was certainly felt, but the Lions showed they have the depth, leadership and resilience to step up when one of their most important players is unavailable. More importantly, the entire team made it clear that they are standing behind their captain as he continues his recovery.