The Lions’ defense struggled at times down the stretch due to injuries to Anzalone and a host of other starters, including Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes. But shined in its finale and Anzalone’s return, holding a 14-win Vikings team out of the end zone.

The Detroit Lions defense knows it will be a tough task defending Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels, who has reset a bunch of first-year records.

The rookie QB has made an impression on some of the team's most respected players of the past and restored hope to a starved franchise.