Head coach Dan Campbell has a habit of being extremely upbeat when motivating his Detroit Lions. The 27th of November was no exception for the Lions’ head coach.
After losing to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, the Lions will face adversity in Week 13. He challenged his team to embrace the moment as well.
“I really like this. I’m serious. I adore this. “I love that, man, it’s doom and gloom outside our building,” Campbell told reporters on November 27. “We have six games left.” We have a fantastic opportunity. I adore it. I really do.
“This is when we find out what we’re made of.”
With an 8-3 record, the Lions lead the NFC North. However, Detroit struggled in its last two home games against division opponents. The Lions were defeated by the Packers, 29-22, in Week 12 and needed a 17-point fourth quarter to defeat the last-placed Chicago Bears in Week 11.
The Lions will face the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome on December 3.
Sometimes it appears that NFL fans are dissatisfied with their teams unless they win 35-0 every week. In reality, even great teams lose a lot of close games and face adversity throughout the season.
That’s what Campbell says the Lions are going through right now. And, as good as Detroit has been to start 2023, posting an 8-2 record for the first time since 1962, Campbell believes the Lions will show their true colors in the coming weeks.
“There’s teams that will begin to rise, and teams that will fall out of this, and I love our team,” Campbell was quoted as saying. “I like where we’re at, and I know the guys in our locker room.” These coaches are familiar to me. So, it should be fine.”
About a month ago, it appeared that the Lions would have one of the “easier” stretches of games toward the end of the 2023 season. However, several of Detroit’s final six opponents performed much better in November.
Furthermore, four of Detroit’s final six games will be on the road. The first road test will be in New Orleans.
“It’s a tough place to play,” said Campbell. “It’s going to be a fantastic environment.” You know, and it’s difficult to win there. But it’s exactly what you’re looking for. This is precisely what you desire.
“There’s nothing sweeter than this if you come out with a win out in that environment.”
The lack of panic was another major theme of Campbell’s last two press conferences. He expressed confidence that the Lions will correct their mistakes from the previous two games.
The most serious issue, according to Campbell, has been turnover.
“The basic level of this, man, it’s turnover ratio,” Campbell explained. “We’re turning the ball over far too often on offense.” We had a special team against Chicago. Giving up four to Chicago, three to Green Bay, and only getting one back.
“Right now, that is the most pressing issue. We can talk about everything else, but until we clean that up, the rest of this is a little pointless.”
Six of the seven giveaways cited by Campbell were committed by quarterback Jared Goff. In the last two games, Goff has three interceptions and three lost fumbles.
Campbell said he discussed the turnovers with Goff. In addition, the team is working on ball security in practice, according to the coach.
The Lions will face the Saints on December 3 at 1 p.m. ET.
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