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After a long offseason dedicated to improving one’s craft, reflecting on the ebbs-and-flows of the previous year, and counting down the days until kickoff, NFL greats have historically recognized that few environments can match Week 1’s excitement. Not allowing even a single second to be wasted, Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone opened about as well as one could, blowing up Los Angeles’ short pass attempt on the game’s opening play. Moments later, on a 3rd & 11, Anzalone followed it up by diagnosing a screen pass, tracking down the Rams’ star wideout to force a three-and-out. History would soon arrive for the veteran during a 26-20 win vs. the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024, as he recorded 13 tackles (10 solo), three solo, becoming Detroit’s first-ever defender to reach those numbers in a season-opener.