Since his appointment as head coach of the Detroit Lions, Dan Campbell has fully embraced the underdog mentality, offering memorable quotes along the way. Despite the Lions’ turnaround in the middle of the 2022 season and their NFC Championship Game run last year, Campbell has remained committed to this mindset.
Following the loss in the conference title game to the 49ers, Campbell acknowledged the challenge of returning to that level of success. He is determined to prevent complacency and ensure that his message resonates with the team. The work put in during OTAs and upcoming training camp will establish the foundation for sustaining or even surpassing last season’s achievements.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports recently attended the Lions’ mandatory minicamp and spoke with Campbell, who continues to set high standards for his team.
“Our guys understand where we stand. We still have things we’re aiming for, our own challenges. Despite being targeted by other teams, we’ve identified our own rivals. We’re not just the team with a target on our backs; we’ve got our own targets too.”
Campbell cleverly referenced Ron Burgundy’s “reading off the teleprompter” line, emphasizing the need for the Lions to evolve continually.
“These are the details that can drive our growth on offense and defense. We need to be aware of the situation and adjust accordingly, rather than simply following a script. San Francisco showed us that they played at a different level.”
From his introductory press conference to the present, Campbell has consistently found articulate ways to express his thoughts. His recent remarks about not “reading off a teleprompter” and having “our own sh*tlist” reflect his complete embrace of the Lions’ dual role as both the hunted and the hunter this season.
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