Dan Campbell Breaks Down Lions’ Costly Third-Quarter Collapse vs. Rams, Eyes Rebound vs. Steelers
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - After a tough loss to Matthew Stafford and the Rams, Lions head coach Dan Campbell didn’t mince words: the game was lost in a brutal third-quarter stretch that saw Detroit unravel on both sides of the ball.
“We gave up three touchdowns in 12 plays on defense,” Campbell said. “And on offense, we had nine plays for six yards. That’s where it got away from us.”
It was a momentum swing that hit like a gut punch. The Lions came out of halftime still very much in the fight, but a flurry of defensive breakdowns and offensive stalls flipped the game in a hurry. Campbell pointed to execution - or lack thereof - as the root cause, citing issues with technique and fundamentals that allowed the Rams to take control.
“You make a play on just one of those series - offense or defense - and it changes the dynamic of the game,” Campbell said. “We didn’t. That’s what bit us.”
But if there’s one thing Campbell isn’t about to do, it’s panic. His message was clear: the Lions are still in the hunt, and they’ve got the right guys to respond.
“We’re resilient. We’ve got to win.
We’ve got Pittsburgh at home next, and we’re going to be ready. That’s a tough, physical team.
They’re well-coached and fighting for the postseason just like we are.”
Defensive Woes: Ground Game and Matchups
Campbell didn’t shy away from the defensive letdowns, especially when it came to stopping the run - a point of emphasis heading into the matchup.
“We talked all week about ground supremacy. We didn’t own the ground, and when you don’t do that, it’s tough to stop an offense like theirs,” he said.
The Rams used motion and tight end inserts to create mismatches on the edges, forcing Detroit’s corners and outside linebackers into difficult reads. The Lions struggled to adjust in real time, and the Rams capitalized.
“We’ve got to be much crisper with our responses to those looks,” Campbell said. “Pittsburgh does a lot of the same stuff. We got a little taste of it, and we’ve got to be better prepared.”
In the passing game, the Lions tried to limit Stafford and rookie standout Puka Nacua, but Campbell admitted they didn’t quite get it done. The message to his secondary? Trust your help.
“Don’t go rogue and try to win a one-on-one by yourself. Use the help. That’s what it’s there for.”
The Push for a Streak Starts Now
With just three games left on the schedule, the Lions don’t have time to dwell. If they want to make a postseason push, it starts with stringing wins together - and that begins with Pittsburgh.
“You can’t start a streak without winning the first one,” Campbell said. “That’s where all our focus is.”
He emphasized the importance of preparation - not just schematically, but in understanding individual matchups. Knowing how an opponent plays, how they attack, and where the one-on-ones will happen is critical.
“Study your guy. Know his style.
Know how he plays. That’s how you win those battles.”
Ball security remains a priority. The Lions protected the ball well against the Rams and forced a takeaway, but Campbell wants more.
“One takeaway is good. But we need more. We’ve got to keep going after the ball.”
He singled out linebacker Jack Campbell for his effort in that department, praising his aggression and instincts - and making it clear that energy has to stay high across the board.
“That’s the kind of effort we need from everyone, all the time.”
No Time for Self-Pity
Despite the frustration, Campbell made it clear: this team isn’t built to feel sorry for itself.
“We don’t have those types of guys,” he said. “We go back to work.”
That’s the foundation of Campbell’s message - win the next game, then worry about the one after that.
“You want to go on a run? You win the first one. Then you line up and do it again.”
Injury Updates and Defensive Adjustments
Cornerback Amik Robertson is dealing with a hand injury, and while Campbell is hopeful he’ll be available, the team won’t know for sure until they get through the practice week.
“He had an MRI. It might affect him a little, but we like to think he’s got a chance to go,” Campbell said.
Detroit’s boundary corners have been tested in recent weeks, and Campbell acknowledged the challenge. The coaching staff has been tweaking the defense to reduce stress in certain areas - sometimes by lightening the box to help the corners, or shifting responsibilities to spread the load.
“Wherever you try to relieve stress in one area, you’re putting it on somewhere else,” Campbell said. “It’s a balancing act.”
Cornerback D.J. Reed Jr., still working his way back from injury, has had a tough time finding his rhythm. But Campbell isn’t worried - he sees the work Reed is putting in and believes the payoff is coming.
“Those guys are out there on an island. No hiding, no help.
You’re not going to win every battle. But I know him - he’s going to keep grinding, and he’ll work his way through it.”
Correcting Mistakes, Building Trust
With the playoff race tightening, Campbell said the team is staying flexible in how they address mistakes - trying new approaches in meetings and on the field to get the message across.
“You keep changing it up, finding new ways to teach it. I believe we’ll get it cleaned up,” he said.
Young players and role guys are being thrust into bigger roles, and Campbell wants them to treat every rep - even the ones they’re not directly involved in - as a learning opportunity.
“They’ve got to grow from it. That’s how we get better.”
The overarching message to the team: focus on the work, trust your teammates, and do your job to the best of your ability.
“Don’t worry about the what-ifs. Just win.
Trust the guy next to you. Handle your assignment.
That’s how we find a way.”
Offensive Struggles: Nine Plays, Six Yards
Campbell circled back to the offense’s nine-play, six-yard stretch in the second half - the moment where the game truly slipped away.
“We were trying to get the run game going, but the penalties and the sack killed us,” he said. “We just couldn’t execute.”
Looking back, Campbell admitted he might have leaned a little too hard on the run, but he doesn’t regret the approach - just the lack of execution.
And on the controversial touchdown catch by Rams tight end Colby Parkinson? Campbell said the team would inquire about it, but the call stood, and that was that.
Next Up: Pittsburgh
The Lions don’t have time to lick their wounds. The Steelers are coming to town, and with both teams in the playoff hunt, every snap matters.
Campbell’s message is simple: win the first one. Then go win the next.
And if the Lions can clean up the mistakes, execute when it matters, and play with the kind of edge Campbell demands - they’ll have a shot to make that streak a reality.