Tag: NFL

Dan Campbell: Lions can beat anybody in the League

Despite key injuries Detroit remains atop the NFC North

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,

Aside from grass stains, 5 things to watch as Lions face Packers at Lambeau

Lions coach Dan Campbell can’t wait to get to Lambeau Field on Sunday for a big divisional game with the Green Bay Packers (5-2) who have won four straight and his Lions (6-1) who have won five in a row.

“How exciting this is, to be able to play these types of games, these big-time games, environment, division game on the road, at a place that’s – it’s one of those things that God created, it’s where football began a little bit,’’ Campbell said.

“So anyway, we’re looking forward to this. We’ll be in the elements, which is great. This is like one of those – you hope for this. I think we’ll be all-white, so we’ll have the grass stains and everything rolling, man, it’s going to be good old football, the way it’s meant to be played. So, excited, great opponent, but our guys are fired up, man, they’re looking forward to this,’’ the coach added.

Rain is in the forecast for Green Bay which could add a little mud to the grass stains.

“ I think (rain) evens the playing ground across the board, really. It can neutralize rushers, it can neutralize speed, change of direction, but at the end of the day, here’s what you do know, whoever can get their feet in the ground and don’t slip, those are going to be your best players on Sunday in the elements, and we have some of those guys, a lot of them,’’ Campbell said. “So, we’re looking forward to it. Look, they play on that grass, they understand what it is, and it won’t be new to them either and they’ve got plenty of good players. So, I just think it’s great, it’s a throwback to football and it’s good.”

Five things to watch: 

ONE: Packers quarterback Jordan Love is officially questionable with a groin injury that limited him in practice this week after injuring it last Sunday. He could be a gametime decision. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said he’s prepared whether Love plays or if Malik Willis gets his third start. “ We don’t know who’s going to play, but we will have a plan for both of those guys. And the offense is not just totally different offense for those guys, we just know what they both bring to the table,’’ Glenn said. “The only thing that you will see is probably more run oriented with Malik than Jordan, and we’ll have a plan for that.”  Love is more interception prone — he has nine against 15 touchdowns — and has been picked off at least once in every game. Willis in a limited role has thrown three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

TWO: The Lions have given up an average of 148.5 rushing yards in each of the last two weeks. It doesn’t get easier trying to stop Packers RB Josh Jacobs. “lThere’s a tick-up on how they’re operating as far as the violence and the physical nature of the game because of who they have running the ball,’’ Glenn said. “So, it’s going to be a challenge for us and we have to do everything we can to make sure we stop that because if you let that happen, that’s not good for a defense to allow a team to run the ball and then be able to have the play-action passes that they have with these receivers that they have. So, we have to do a good job in that aspect.” Jacobs has been limited this week with an ankle injury.

THREE: Campbell said the game could come down to one mistake. The turnover battle will be key and the Lions and Packers are the top two NFL teams in takeaways. The Lions have 15 (four of them in the 52-14 win over the Titans), the Packers have 19. Detroit has the advantage in giveaways with only five on the season which is tied for fourth in the NFL. Goff has gone four straight games without an interception. The Packers have a dozen giveaways. Jordan Love has thrown nine interceptions with at least one in each game. Willis, in a limited role, has thrown three touchdowns and zero interceptions.

FOUR: The Lions have averaged an insane 43 points in the last four games. Can the offense be stopped? Bill Belichick doesn’t see that happening. He explained it to Jared Goff on the SiriusXM show “Let’s Go” this week.  “Honestly it’s impossible, I think, for a defense to really stop your offense, there are too many weapons. The offensive line’s too good. Blitzing is not the answer. Not blitzing is not the answer. In playing you guys, to me it would just be hang on and try to create as many long drives and as many long situations as possible. But that’s hard because you have so many explosive players and you do such a good job at distributing the ball.” Jared Goff joined Belichick and Jim Gray on their Sirius XM show, “Let’s Go” this week.

FIVE: Resilience must be a part of the Lions’ GRIT equation. It’s a trait they seem to have in abundance. Aidan Hutchinson lost for the season? The defense finds a way to win and moves forward. Jameson Williams suspended again? The team scores seven touchdowns without him. Hutchinson is not the only key guy to be sidelined with injuries, there are plenty and the Lions keep winning. “I haven’t been a part of a team built this tough from top to bottom,’’ said Scottie Montgomery, assistant head coach/running backs.

LIONS INJURY UPDATE: DL Josh Paschal (illness), LB Malcolm Rodriguz (ankle) and DT Brodric Martin (knee) are out; DL Mekhi Wingo (ankle) and RB Sione Vaki (knee) are doubtful. Note: WR Jameson Williams is suspended for this game.

PACKERS INJURY UPDATE: S Evan Williams (hamstring) is out; C/G Josh Myers (wrist) is doubtful; QB Jordan Love (groin), RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) and CB Jaire Alexander (knee) are questionable.

PREDICTION: Lions 45, Packers 35

Lions Dan Campbell emphasizes his trust in WR Jameson Williams who faces 2nd NFL suspension

ALLEN PARK — Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams appears to be facing his second NFL suspension, but coach Dan Campbell trusts him. That is key moving forward.

While the suspension isn’t official yet, ESPN reported that he is to be suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Substance policy. 

Campbell was not allowed to talk specifics about the situation while it’s under appeal. 

“Here’s what I can tell you, I trust this kid, I trust him. Unfortunately you have to pay for your sins if something happens and this comes down, so be it,’’ Campbell said on Wednesday.

“I know this, we dangled the rope down on the way up, we can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago he started climbing his way up and got to us. Maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again, that rope is still there, it’s tied to us and he’ll be just fine. He’s part of this team and I trust him,’’ the coach added.

Williams was suspended by the NFL for six games for violating the gambling policy at the start of the 2023 season. It was reduced to four games when the rule was changed. So this is not his first rodeo.

“There’s enough things, he and I have had enough dialect about things that have happened. When he tells me something I know what it is, that’s the best way I can say it,’’ Campbell said. “This happened, it is what it is and move on. He’s put the work in, he put his best foot forward and, like I say, he lost his grip. He’ll be back.’’

Williams practiced on Wednesday. He’s had a solid start in the first six games with three touchdowns and 17 catches for 361 yards – an average of 21.2 yards per catch.

“We’re prepared not to have him and it’s all good. He’s going to be here, he’s helping. Until they come through with whatever is going to happen he’s with us, he’s part of this team, he’s helping out and we’re good,’’ Campbell said.

The Lions have plenty of depth at the position. Campbell mentioned Allen Robinson could get more work and they could bring up Isaiah Williams from the practice squad. 

“This is the first little bit of stuff we’ve been hit with so we adjust, move on, life’s good,’’ Campbell said.

The Lions (5-1) are at home against the Titans (1-5) on Sunday. The next week they play a key division game at Green Bay (5-2).