Following the Detroit Lions‘ dominant victory over the Green Bay Packers, head coach Dan Campbell was all smiles in his postgame press conference, offering high praise for both his players and coaches. The Lions showed their grit and determination in a crucial win that has propelled them even closer to their playoff goals.
A Total Team Effort
Campbell opened his remarks by expressing how proud he was of the entire team’s performance. “What a win,” he exclaimed. “That was a hell of a job by our players and coaches, a total team effort.” He highlighted the importance of the defensive effort, which came up big throughout the game, and lauded Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn for his game plan that allowed the defense to “cut it loose.” Campbell went on to refer to his defense as the “northern savages,” giving them credit for playing tough, physical football.
As for the offense, Campbell acknowledged the heavy lifting done by his players. “We knew they were going to need to carry the load,” he said, referencing key contributions from Jared Goff, Tim Patrick, and Sam LaPorta. Campbell praised their collective ability to step up in big moments, noting, “It took everybody we had on offense.” He was particularly proud of the team’s resilience and determination to overcome any obstacles.
Going for It on Fourth Down
One of the key moments of the game came late when Campbell decided to go for it on fourth down, a bold call that ultimately helped seal the victory. When asked about the decision, Campbell confidently explained, “I just felt like we needed to end it on offense. I didn’t want to give that ball back, and I believed we could get that.” He credited his offensive line and running back David Montgomery for coming through in the clutch, adding, “It’s a hell of a call by Ben [Johnson],” referring to the team’s offensive coordinator.
Despite a failed fourth-down attempt earlier in the third quarter, Campbell was never rattled. “Nope. None,” he responded when asked if there was any doubt after the earlier failure. He maintained his belief in his team’s ability to execute their game plan and trusted them to bounce back. “We just find a way,” Campbell emphasized, reflecting the team’s mindset throughout the game.
The Importance of This Win
Campbell couldn’t hide his excitement as he described the significance of the victory. “This is sweet,” he said. “This will be one of those you never forget.” He also took a moment to reflect on what his team had overcome to get to this point, highlighting their resilience in the face of adversity. “Everybody on this team believed we were going to win that game, and we just found a way,” he said, showing his pride in the team’s never-say-die attitude.
A Big Step Towards Playoffs
While Campbell was thrilled with the win, he didn’t take a moment to bask in the glow of playoff contention. When asked about the Lions officially clinching a playoff spot, he admitted he hadn’t even realized it yet. “It’s good, but it’s like, man, we’ve got four left,” he remarked, keeping his focus on the bigger prize. “We want to go in on our own terms, and we want to find a way to get this one seed.” For Campbell, the playoff berth was just one step toward the ultimate goal of winning the division and securing home-field advantage in the postseason.
A Big Shoutout to Tim Patrick
Campbell also took the opportunity to praise Tim Patrick, who had a standout performance. “Huge,” Campbell said when asked about Patrick’s contribution. “What a great addition he’s been.” The wide receiver had several crucial catches and turned short gains into bigger plays, including two big touchdowns. “He’s been an unbelievable addition, what a stud,” Campbell declared, clearly pleased with Patrick’s growth in the Lions’ system.
A Resilient Defense
Despite some key injuries to the defensive unit, Campbell had nothing but praise for the defensive effort. He credited Aaron Glenn for adjusting the game plan to fit the team’s available personnel, trimming down the playbook to allow players to play fast. “It’s not going to be perfect, it doesn’t need to be perfect,” Campbell said. “I just want to turn on the tape and know the effort and the finish is there.” His trust in the defense was evident when he highlighted the importance of creating turnovers, noting Carlton Davis’s big punch-out and the defense’s ability to make crucial plays when it mattered most.
NFC North Outlook
Looking ahead, Campbell took a moment to reflect on the strength of the NFC North. “Our division is damn good,” he said. “It’s the best division in football, in my opinion.” He acknowledged the high level of competition from teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, recognizing that winning the division will be a tough but necessary task if the Lions want to continue their playoff push.
Keeping the Aggression in Check
As always, Campbell emphasized the importance of discipline, especially in an emotionally charged game. He urged his players to stay aggressive but smart, saying, “Our guys know. They handled it well.” With the right mix of intensity and control, the Lions were able to execute their game plan without giving in to reckless mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Dan Campbell’s postgame press conference after the Lions’ victory was a testament to his leadership and the team’s unwavering belief in each other. From the decision to go for it on fourth down to the praise for both the offense and defense, Campbell’s words reflected the mindset of a team that has come a long way and is hungry for more. With the Lions now in playoff contention, Campbell’s unwavering confidence in his squad shows they’re ready for whatever comes next.
