ALLEN PARK — This season’s 1-5 start is not at all what the Lions expected. That includes coach Dan Campbell and owner Sheila Ford Hamp.
While Campbell has chances to express his frustration each week, Hamp keeps communication lines open with the coach, but doesn’t talk to the media often. However she met with reporters before Wednesday’s practice to make things clear.
“We’ve got 11 more games to go, so I just don’t want everyone to push the panic button and give up the ship,” Hamp said, according to The Associated Press. “I think we’ve got the right people in place to pull this off, and I truly believe that. I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t.”
Before she spoke, Campbell reiterated his stance on the first six games.
“I’m not discouraged. I’m discouraged that we don’t have more than one win like anybody is, but I’m not discouraged like ‘I can’t believe it, we’re just not going anywhere.’ I just don’t believe that,’’ Campbell said. “I’m not going to make excuses, we should have more than one win but I’m not discouraged, we’re still making progress. We’re getting a good look at these guys on the roster.’’
Quarterback Jared Goff was happy to hear that Hamp has voiced her support through the media. “I’m very confident, we’ve got the right guys in place,’’ quarterback Jared Goff said.
In his second season as Lions coach, Campbell owns a 4-18-1 record. It appears his job is safe along with GM Brad Holmes.
Hamp, who was instrumental in the hiring of both, said that she believes in their leadership.
Campbell’s predecessor, Matt Patricia, was fired after two and a half seasons with a 13-29-1 record
NOTES: Lions punter Jackf Fox, who signed a three-year extension this week that will pay him $3.775 million per season, said he still drives the car he had in college (a Toyota 4Runner) and has no plans to splurge on a new one. … Rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams, the second-round draft pick, has been rehabbing a torn ACL. Campbell said on Wednesday he expects Williams will see playing time this season but it will probably be at least another month. … Running back D’Andre Swift, who has missed the last three games, practiced on Wednesday. … WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was pulled from Sunday’s game and placed in concussion protocol, was wearing a red no-contact jersey at practice.
(NEXT UP: Miami Dolphins (4-3) at Lions (1-5) at 1 p.m. on Sunday.)
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