Lions defensive tackles Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader have yet to play together on the field, but that hasn’t stopped McNeill from envisioning big things for their defense this upcoming season. Reader joined the Lions in March after recovering from a torn quadriceps that ended his last season with the Bengals. Although Reader hasn’t been able to participate in the team’s offseason program, McNeill has been impressed by his performances over the years and is confident in the impact the two players can make together on the same team.
McNeill expressed his excitement by saying, “In my head it just looks like destruction, to me, honestly. There’s no other way I can see it. Every time I close my eyes and visualize it, I just see destruction, honestly.” The Lions had a strong offense and won the NFC North in 2023, but their defense lagged behind. The addition of McNeill and Reader could be the missing piece to creating a breakout season for the defense this year.
With the potential of McNeill and Reader playing together on the defensive line, the Lions could see significant improvement in their defensive performance. The combination of their skills and talents could lead to a more dominant and impactful defense, which could make a difference in the team’s overall success this season. Lions fans can look forward to seeing how McNeill and Reader’s partnership will unfold and the impact they will have on the team’s defense.