Film Review: How Lions' Defensive Line Revived Pass Rush

Analyzing how Lions generated increased pass rush against Falcons.

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. 

Jack Campbell. Sack to end the half. Told All Lions this week the defensive unit runs through linebackers and wanted to become another tool for Aaron Glenn’s defense pic.twitter.com/tTlbKohpES

— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) September 24, 2023

Charles Harris

Harris recorded his first sack of the season by simply overpowering his blocker. The Falcons once again are in play-action, and the running back is taken out of the pass protection as a result. 

Fullback Keith Smith comes across the formation and is responsible for Harris. However, the rusher is too much for him. He nearly stumbles at one point, but regains his balance and brings down Ridder. 

Because Harris was rushing off the passer's blind side, it's likely that he didn't know Harris was coming until the last possible second, hence the late footwork. 

Aidan Hutchinson

The first of Hutchinson's sacks was highly anticipated. After all, the second-year rusher had already created 13 pressures through the first two games but failed to record a sack. 

That changed in the fourth quarter, when he executed a perfect spin move around tackle Jake Matthews and wrapped up Ridder, who was trying to maneuver the pocket. 

Hutchinson lines up wide of the tackle and attacks his outside shoulder. Once Matthews adjusts, the Michigan product has him set up perfectly. The tackle shifts his weight and Hutchinson uses that against him, spinning off him and corralling the passer. 

On the second sack, Hutchinson just utilizes his strength against the overmatched rookie Bergeron. He starts standing up, lined up overtop the rookie. He beats him to the inside, using his off-arm to gain leverage and get under the blocker, then disengages and moves on to get Ridder. 

The passer loses the ball on contact with no further effort from Hutchinson, though the rusher falls on the loose ball on what ended up being the final defensive play for Detroit on the day.