Dan Campbell Prepares Lions for Gritty Matchup with Steelers: “One Game, One Win”
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Dan Campbell knows exactly what kind of fight the Detroit Lions are walking into this week. Facing off against a tough, physical Pittsburgh Steelers squad, the Lions’ head coach isn’t sugarcoating the challenge ahead - and he doesn’t want his team doing so either.
“They do it the right way. They do it the hard way,” Campbell said, describing a Steelers team that thrives on making opponents earn every inch.
“We know this will be one of those physical battles. We got to play smart, take care of the football, and be very efficient.”
Efficiency and discipline - two words that have become trademarks of Campbell’s philosophy - are going to be more than just buzzwords this week. They’re necessities.
The Steelers, sitting at 8-6 just like the Lions, are in the same boat: fighting for their playoff lives. Every snap matters.
Mutual Respect Between Coaches
There’s no rivalry between Campbell and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin - just mutual respect. While the two aren’t close personally, Campbell made it clear he admires the way Tomlin runs his team.
“I’ve just got a ton of respect for him,” Campbell said. “I know what he’s about and the way he goes about his business.”
That business-like approach has helped keep the Steelers competitive year after year. And this season, they’ve got a few weapons that demand attention.
Breaking Down the Steelers Offense
Campbell didn’t hold back when talking about the challenges his defense will face this week. Wide receiver DK Metcalf brings a rare blend of size and speed that can stretch a defense vertically, and the Steelers’ backfield adds another wrinkle with Kenneth Gainwell.
“It just gives them another element,” Campbell said. “If you’re able to get the running back out and he’s a good route runner, then you get isolated on a linebacker.”
That’s a matchup nightmare for most defenses - and Campbell knows it. Gainwell’s ability to shift gears, read lanes, and catch passes makes him a true dual threat. And then there’s the man under center: Aaron Rodgers.
Yes, he’s still doing that - processing defenses in a flash and delivering strikes with that trademark flick of the wrist.
“He can process it like that, and with a flick of the wrist, the thing is it’s into the receiver’s hands at a perfect location,” Campbell said. “He’s fast, accurate, and he gets the ball out quick.”
Rodgers has a full arsenal at his disposal, including three tight ends who can block and run. Add in Arthur Smith’s system - which Campbell praised - and this is a Steelers offense that can beat you in a lot of ways.
Lions Offense Finding Its Rhythm
On the other side of the ball, Detroit’s offense has been showing signs of life - particularly in the passing game. Campbell pointed to recent success as a combination of scheme and execution coming together at just the right time.
“We hit at the right time. JMO (Jameson Williams) was outstanding.
So was St. (Amon-Ra St.
Brown) down in the red zone,” Campbell said. “It all lined up really well.”
Still, there’s some juggling happening in the backfield. Running back David Montgomery has seen a reduced role recently, but Campbell made it clear the veteran is handling it like a pro.
“David is a pro. He goes about his business.
I know that’s not easy,” Campbell said. “Every good player wants their chance to help the team win and get some production.”
Campbell hinted at ways to get Montgomery more involved moving forward - whether it’s through specific series or formations designed to get him going. The goal is balance. And that’s not just about making the offense more dynamic - it’s about helping the defense, too.
Defensive Struggles and the Margin for Error
Campbell didn’t shy away from acknowledging the defense’s recent struggles, especially when it comes to limiting points and passing yards. That kind of inconsistency puts more pressure on the offense to be nearly perfect.
“When you struggle to run the ball, to keep up or stay ahead, you have to be perfect in the pass game. We have no margin for error,” Campbell said.
Linebacker Jack Campbell has been one of the few constants - logging more reps than anyone on the team and showing the kind of durability and value that coaches love. But the Lions know they’ll need more than just one guy stepping up.
Offensive Line Updates and Rookie Development
There’s cautious optimism surrounding offensive guard Christian Mahogany, who recently went through a full-speed walk-through. Campbell’s hopeful he’ll be back soon, which would be a big boost for a unit that’s been dealing with injury-related shuffling - especially at left guard.
Meanwhile, rookie Giovanni Manu continues to develop behind the scenes. Campbell emphasized the importance of practice reps in preparing him for the future.
“He needs those reps,” Campbell said. “That’s how you get better. That’s how you get ready.”
One Game at a Time
With both teams at 8-6 and the playoff race tightening, Campbell’s message to his team is simple: don’t look ahead. Don’t scoreboard-watch. Just win the game in front of you.
“You’ve got to win the first one. We got to win this one to have a chance to win the next one,” Campbell said.
“It’s one week, one game, and one win. That’s all we can focus on.”
That singular focus will be crucial in a game that promises to be a slugfest. Two playoff-hungry teams.
Two physical, blue-collar rosters. And one shot to keep the postseason dream alive.
Buckle up. This one’s going to be a fight.