Alim McNeill, the Detroit Lions’ elite defensive lineman, returns to the lineup Monday night against the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
MAC is Back, Detroit Lions’ Top Interior Lineman Returns
McNeill, who hasn’t played since tearing his ACL in the 2024 Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, was frustrated by his lengthy rehab and is raring to play football.
McNeill, Locked in and Ready to Go
After surgery and a lengthy rehab, McNeill is set to unleash his pent-up frustration on the football field Monday night. His return to the lineup couldn’t come at a better time for the Lions defense, which will be without top safeties Brian Branch (suspension) and Kerby Joseph (knee injury), and starting cornerbacks Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (IR).
McNeill was asked earlier this week if he was ready to play Monday night. He responded , ”One thousand percent. Probably slept a little longer last night, too, trying to get some more rest for the week. I’m 100 percent locked in right now and ready to go. This is the only thing I’ve been looking forward to. I don’t know how to explain it to you. I’ve been waiting on this day for a long, long time.”
McNeill’s Four-Year Contract Extension
Recognizing the value McNeill brings to the team, the Lions rewarded him with a four-year, $97 million contract extension last year, with $55 million guaranteed.
With the return of a healthy 25-year-old McNeill, the defense gets an immediate boost from one of the NFL’s best veteran linemen, boasting an impressive 93.9 PFF Pass Rush Grade on Bull Rushes.
Last year, before his injury, McNeill started all 14 games, recording 25 tackles (17 solo), seven tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, one pass defense, and one forced fumble. According to Statmuse, McNeill’s 17 solo tackles were the most recorded by a Lions defensive lineman last year.
McNeill earned 40-plus quarterback pressures in consecutive seasons over the past two years. In 2023, he tied a Detroit franchise record for an interior lineman, when he posted a career-best 5.0 sacks for the season. The record was previously set in 2014 by Ndamukong Suh.
McNeill’s Contributions Go Beyond Individual Stats
However, McNeill’s contribution to the Lions’ defense goes beyond individual stats. Since the opposition can’t adequately cover every threat, his menacing 6’2 310 lb. presence on the field frees up other defenders to wreak havoc. Last year’s game against the Buccaneers was a perfect example of just how dangerous the Lions’ defense can be when McNeill is on the field.
Tampa Bay was one of only two teams to defeat the Lions during the 2024 regular season. But during the 20-16 loss, Aidan Hutchinson delivered a season-high 4.5 sacks on Baker Mayfield .
While McNeill’s contribution in that game went unheralded, Hutchinson was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month in September. But Macs efforts freed up Hutchinson to penetrate the line at will.
A Welcome Return For The Lions
Dan Campbell is thrilled to have McNeill back, noting the defensive options he provides, “Look, I think it’s – certainly getting (Lions DL Alim McNeill) Mac back creates depth. And so, between (Lions DL DJ) Reader and (Lions DL Roy) Lopez, you’ve got Mac back, (Lions DL Tyler) Lacy can kind of play some of the three-technique, big-end.”
One defensive player who is especially happy to see McNeill return to the lineup is D.J.Reader. McNeill’s absence has led the 10-year veteran to be double-teamed for most of the season. Expressing his enthusiasm over McNeill’s impending return, Reader said, “Spirits are high. He’s working hard. From what I see, he looks really, really good. He’s very happy. I mean, he’s got a lot of money, kinda hard to be upset. But he’s super happy, man, and working his ass off to get back. “
Added Motivation To Face The Buccaneers
As the team prepares to face the NFC-leading Bucs and the likely return of star wide receiver Mike Evans , avenging last year’s loss provides additional motivation to emerge with the win.
With McNeill back in the lineup and an offensive, misleading video from the past week fresh in their minds, the Detroit Lions are ready to take on one of the NFC’s best. A familiar ideology has become commonplace with this team: “Detroit v. Everybody.” This week with the negative media attention surrounding the team, that refrain has only gained added momentum.
Egregious penalties, missed calls, fines, suspensions, media bombardment. Bring it. The onslaught only provides added fuel to fire up this team. Strap in. Detroit against Tampa Bay; it’s going to be a good one.
Main Image: Junfu Han – Imagn Images
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