There are a few hallmarks of every well-coached, tough NFL team. Their cornerbacks are active and productive in run support as tacklers. Their offensive linemen are excellent in space, especially when pulling. And their receivers and general skill players sell out, giving full effort when blocking for their teammates in the open field.
According to this summation, Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions are a very well-coached and very tough team. Heck, backup running back Craig Reynolds exemplified it to perfection on Sunday.
With Detroit trying to build a late first-half road lead against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown found himself with green grass on a basic third-and-long short pass. When he tried to cut to the sideline, a gaggle of Buccaneers defenders awaited him. The person in most danger of making a tackle was cornerback Carlton Davis.
That is before Reynolds — again, the backup to an injured David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs — sent him to the moon with a colossal block. Phew:
Craig Reynolds, certified people mover 😤#DETvsTB | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/pGn8jPQloQ
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 15, 2023
Even while Detroit improved to 5-1 with a 20-6 win, seemingly small sequences like this shouldn’t be forgotten. Campbell has created a strong culture for the boys in Honolulu Blue, and it’s why they’re off to their best start in six decades.
It’s also why they’re one of the NFC’s top teams in the first place. This Detroit train isn’t stopping any time soon.
This was how Twitter reacted
THAT’S CRAIG REYNOLDS’ MUSIC pic.twitter.com/HPU8q97UFy
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) October 15, 2023
that Craig Reynolds block will be on every highlight reel/hype video at the end of the season
— Ryan Mathews (@Ryan_POD) October 15, 2023
The Craig Reynolds block will be The Big Thing in the column this week https://t.co/HqSkltSFli
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 15, 2023
Craig Reynolds. Block of the Year. pic.twitter.com/JE4YPcGlU3
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) October 15, 2023
sometimes the sun just needs a little Craig Reynolds push pic.twitter.com/b8TgnbiJc6
— Chris Perfett (@chrisperfett) October 15, 2023
Filthy block by Craig Reynolds!! pic.twitter.com/QHzfNW9FZ7
— Honolulu Blues (@HonoluluBlues_) October 15, 2023
This is a culture play
Craig Reynolds not targeted out the backfield still makes the play
Fat stack of pancakes
— Jim Costa (@JimCosta_) October 15, 2023
Craig Reynolds with the block of the year! pic.twitter.com/Jq31NQb5Le
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) October 15, 2023
this Craig Reynolds block 👨🍳😘 pic.twitter.com/58C9B5i7dG
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) October 15, 2023
