DETROIT -- DeAndre Levy doesn't take any practice reps at middle linebacker. Why should he, considering starter Stephen Tulloch is one of the NFL's most durable players?

But when Tulloch went down in the first quarter of the Detroit Lions' 19-7 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Levy slid over from his outside spot and took over the responsibilities of quarterbacking the defense.

While it might appear the transition was a seamless one, given visual evidence and his statistical output, Levy had to overcome some early technical difficulties.

"I had to get some of the calls and have a microphone in my helmet," he said. "It was a little shaky the first few series. My helmet had a bad speaker."

But Levy knew his teammates were counting on him, as a veteran leader, to be a steadying hand after Tulloch's untimely departure. If Levy let his frustrations show because of the faulty headset, it could negatively affect the entire defense.

"I wanted to bring a poise to the huddle, keep us composed," Levy said. "When things are going well, aren't going well, we have to stay even-keeled."

With Levy manning the middle, Detroit put together a complete and dominant defensive performance, limiting the Packers to 223 yards of total offense. He played a key role, racking up 10 tackles, two pass defenses and a second-quarter safety.

"I think Levy is clearly maybe their best or one of their best defensive players," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's starting to get the credit and recognition he deserves. He's a hell of a football player."

McCarthy's sentiments nearly echoed those of Tulloch's, who was forced to watch the remainder of the game from the sidelines.

"Dre has gotten so much better since I'm been here for four years," Tulloch said. "I'm just happy for his growth. I'm glad people can finally see it because he's not going to speak up for himself. He's a quiet player, but he makes good plays."

-- Download the Detroit Lions MLive app for iPhone and Android

-- Follow Justin Rogers on Twitter

-- Like MLive's Detroit Lions Facebook page