Are the Lions Practicing Themselves Out of Contention? Fred Warner Thinks So
The Detroit Lions have built a reputation as one of the NFL’s toughest, most hard-nosed teams - a reflection of their head coach Dan Campbell’s gritty persona. But after two consecutive seasons marred by injuries, questions are starting to surface about whether that toughness is costing them more than it’s helping.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, a four-time First-Team All-Pro and one of the league’s most respected voices on defense, offered a perspective that hits close to home for Detroit. Appearing on the *St.
Brown Bros.* podcast - co-hosted by Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown - Warner didn’t hold back when the topic turned to training camp physicality.
When asked if the 49ers “go full tackle” during training camp, Warner’s response was immediate: “No, no, we’d never do that.”
Then came the real message: “See, at some point old Dan [Campbell] going to come to his senses, man, and be like, ‘Listen, this ain’t making nobody better, brother. All right. We could still get our work in without bringing guys to the ground.’”
That’s not just a throwaway comment from a rival player - it’s a challenge to the Lions’ entire approach to preparation.
A Culture of Physicality - and the Toll It Takes
Campbell’s Lions are known for their edge. They play with intensity, they hit hard, and they don’t shy away from contact - even in practice.
That culture helped transform Detroit from a perennial bottom-dweller into a playoff team. But there’s a fine line between building toughness and wearing your players down before the real games even begin.
St. Brown, who’s lived through Campbell’s camps, laughed as he acknowledged how new players often ask, “Y’all practice like this all the time?” That alone says a lot.
Warner wasn’t dismissing the value of physicality - far from it. He understands the mindset Campbell is trying to instill.
But his point was clear: you can teach tackling technique without finishing every rep by bringing a teammate to the ground. In his words, “Half the time, guys are just in desperation trying to get somebody on the ground where you’re putting yourself and the person who you’re tackling at risk.”
That’s a recipe for injuries - and Detroit has had more than its fair share.
Injuries Piling Up, Seasons Slipping Away
The Lions’ injury issues aren’t just anecdotal. Over the past two seasons, they’ve struggled to keep key players on the field.
Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch have both dealt with significant injuries. Marcus Davenport, a high-upside pass rusher with a history of health concerns, was another gamble that didn’t pay off.
And while Warner himself missed time in 2025 with a fractured and dislocated ankle, the 49ers still made it to the Divisional Round - a level Detroit couldn’t quite reach, despite a roster many believed had Super Bowl potential. That contrast should be a wake-up call.
The Lions finished 3-5 in games where they had a rest advantage in 2025. That’s a troubling stat, especially when paired with their poor showing off a bye in the 2024-25 playoffs. It suggests that even when Detroit had the edge on paper, the physical toll of the season was too much to overcome.
It’s not just about how many games you play - it’s about how much those games (and practices) take out of you. And right now, the Lions might be playing more football than anyone else… without actually playing more football.
Time for Campbell to Make the Call
Dan Campbell has done a lot of good in Detroit. He’s changed the culture, elevated expectations, and brought a level of fight to the franchise that fans hadn’t seen in decades.
But five years into his tenure, the next step - a real Super Bowl push - hinges on more than just grit. It hinges on availability.
The Lions can’t afford another season where injuries derail their momentum. And while no one’s suggesting they turn into a finesse team overnight, there’s a middle ground between full-contact chaos and a walkthrough. Warner’s message isn’t about getting soft - it’s about getting smart.
Dialing back the physicality in camp might feel like a betrayal of the team’s identity. But if it means keeping stars healthy and fresh for January, it’s a change worth making. Because toughness isn’t just about how hard you hit - it’s about how long you can last.
And right now, the Lions aren’t lasting long enough.