DETROIT — No weak links. That's the motto of the Detroit Lions' defensive line.

Defensive end George Johnson came out of the tunnel on Sunday in pre-game introductions wearing this huge chain around his neck composed of 10 links.

It’s a new learning tool used by the defensive line this season, courtesy of Kris Kocurek and Jim Washburn who coach the defensive line.

Nick Fairley explained the concept following the Lions’ 19-7 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Ford Field.

The day before each game in a meeting, each defensive lineman is given a link for the chain. Each guy speaks up, says why he won’t be the weak link and passes it around the room, adding each link as it's passed around.

On Saturday before the Green Bay game, Fairley said, “Let’s go out here stop the run, get after 12 (Aaron Rodgers)  and I won’t be the weak link.’’

Pretty basic stuff, but the chain kind of solidifies the idea.

The defensive line also cane out of the tunnel together instead of being introduced  individually. 

They did the same thing last Thanksgiving against the Packers. They won that game too.

“We’re not sending no message, basically what it is, we’re a unit as a defensive line,’’ Fairley said. “I actually came up with it (last year). From here on out we’re not going out as separate, we’re going out as Detroit’s defensive line. That’s how we’re coming out.’’

It worked on Sunday. The defensive line pressured Rodgers all day long, holding the Packers’ offense to one touchdown.

Fairley was asked to analyze the defensive line after three games.

“Not there yet, we still have minor things to correct,’’ Fairley said. “Once we get there it’s going to show.’’

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