'It's Like We're Playing Madden': McNeill Happy with Lions' Free-Agent Additions

Alim McNeill is using new diet and workout regimen to improve his game.

Alim McNeill has the opportunity to make a significant impact for the Detroit Lions in 2023.

Heading into his third NFL season, the talented nose tackle is set to anchor the team's run-stopping efforts. He's shown plenty of skill through two campaigns, but must continue raising his performance to improve the Lions' defense.

Last season, he finished with 41 tackles, including six for loss, and one sack. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes has made multiple additions to improve the overall defense, with the focus being to drastically upgrade the secondary. 

As a result of the upgrades made in free agency, McNeill is optimistic about what's to come in 2023. 

"It's almost like we're playing Madden, adding some pieces for sure," he said. "I'm excited to see what we can do, it's gonna be crazy." 

The third-year tackle will also be working with a new position coach in John Scott Jr., who was hired earlier this offseason. Scott explained his focus on finishing plays, during his introductory press conference. 

"It's just applying that to being a technician, and finishing plays and things like that," Scott said. "I think it starts with mentality. We have that here, and we're just going to continue to work and be great technicians at what we do."

He's taking measures to improve his body, as he's begun a new diet. The defensive tackle told reporters Tuesday that he's cut out red meat and participates in yoga classes every Friday.

"I really stopped eating things on red meat," McNeill said. "Honestly, I feel like it slowed me a little bit, and so I just kind of cut that out. I've been feeling way better since I've been doing that. And, just been able to portion my, ration my foods a little better. Not eating crazy amounts of food for no reason at one time, more water, stuff like that. So, really basic stuff and cutting out candy, all that type of stuff."

The NC State product explained that he doesn't have certainties with how the changes have affected his body, but that he feels much better after making the changes. 

"For me, it was consistency, being able to do it every snap, every game," McNeill stated. "In a couple of games, you know, there were a couple of things I did where coach might have liked it. I just want to be more consistent, like I want to make those plays almost every play. I'm seeing some guys around the league be able to do it, and I just want to do the same thing. Like, that's what it was for me. So consistency. 

"So, I just took more of a professional approach this offseason, diet wise, and things I was doing, stretching three times a day now, all the training stuff I was doing."