ALLEN PARK — With eight games down and nine remaining, coach Dan Campbell knows his team is in a good place.
“I feel like we can beat anybody in the League,” Campbell said on Monday.
The Lions have not coasted to a 7-1 record and top spot in the NFC North, they have fought for it. Sunday’s 24-14 win at Green Bay and the 31-29 win at the Vikings two weeks ago have made them a definite favorite in the talented NFC North.
Campbell said on Monday it’s a credit to his staff for the season so far.
“We’ve lost eight significant players on defense and we continue to rise up,’’ Campbell said. “There are things we are not as good at overall, but yet there are things that matter to getting off the field defensively and limiting points that we’re damn good at. That’s the most important thing about playing defense. We’ve earned what we’ve got so far.’’
They are coming off an impressive win at Green Bay on Sunday in the wind and pouring rain. It was the Lions first outdoor game this season against a team that’s built to play outside. But you would never know that from the results.
Jared Goff started the game 11-for-11 in passing despite the elements. The Lions did not turn the ball over in the slippery conditions. Safety Brian Branch was kicked out of the game in the second quarter and still the defense was effective.
“I really believe we can play anywhere in any type of element. We can play indoors with a big crowd, we can play if it’s COVID season again and nobody is there,’’ Campbell said. “I just think that’s how we are, that’s how this team is, that’s the type of guys we have, that’s the type of coaches we have. That’s part of our culture, that’s part of our identity.’’
Throw anything at this bunch and they continue to win and possibly exceed expectations that were high.
“I would say it’s satisfying to know you can do that,’’ Campbell said.
With the trade deadline on Tuesday, the coach said GM Brad Holmes is working the phones but nothing is imminent and it’s not entirely up to them. With Aidan Hutchinson out they could use pass-rush help.
If no deal is made, Campbell said they’ll scour practice squad rosters to see if there are players they have had an eye on.
UP NEXT: Lions (7-1) at Houston Texans (6-3), 8:20 p.m. on Sunday,
Lions Lowdown 