ALLEN PARK — Walking off the field after the comeback win in Houston on Sunday, quarterback Jared Goff had a few words for coach Dan Campbell: “We’re just different.”
Campbell agrees. The Lions are 8-1, own the best record in the NFC and show no signs of impending disaster despite a slew of injuries on defense. It’s a good place to be in, they know it and they’re fighting to maintain the same level of play.
“Every team is different, my notion is that the adversity we’re built for is different than every other team in the league,’’ Goff said on Wednesday. “I think I said it after the game, it truly is. There are a lot of good teams in our league but it would be hard-pressed to find some who have been through what the core group of this team has been through.’’
The 1-6 start of the 2022 season comes to mind.
Any game like that (in Houston) where you dig yourself in that big of a hole, knowing we’re built for that and built to come back in those instances,’’ Goff said.
What is the word for that type of resiliency? Oh yes, grit.
That does not mean there isn’t work to do.
Campbell said that offensive efficiency is one area of growth he’d like to see in the second half of the season. He’s seen efficiency in spurts but not consistent enough.
“ I’m not even talking about where you’re scoring touchdowns every time. You just want to get out there knowing you’re converting first down, first down, first down. Does that lead to a field goal or did you have to punt, but at least you’re moving the football because that gets us in a rhythm,’’ Campbell said on Wednesday.
He said some of that is the fundamentals.
“Don’t try to do too much early, let the game come to you and if we convert the next first down that gives us another three or four plays, convert the next one, get another three or four opportunities,’’ Campbell said. “Pretty soon we gain our momentum and we’re really good about that. I think that, in general, just getting our flow back a little bit. It’s not something I’m concerned with, but I feel it’s an area that I feel like we can improve and will improve.’’
Goff agrees with his coach. He had his worst game of the season throwing five interceptions in the win at Houston.
The last three games, the Lions have won beating the Titans 52-24, the Packers 24-14 and the Texans 26-23.
“I think the Tennessee game was somewhat of an outlier, when we weren’t in the red zone we weren’t really moving the ball down the field. Green Bay conditions and whatnot and we weren’t able to be as explosive as we wanted to and obviously last week (at Houston) wasn’t as explosive as we wanted,’’ Goff said. “He’s absolutely right. It starts this week for us.’’
It’s a good week to get the offense on a roll, playing Jacksonville (2-8) on Sunday at Ford Field. The Jaguars own the NFL’s worst total defense allowing 390 yards per game — 129 rushing and 261 passing.
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