Dan Campbell on Lions' Identity, Injuries, and the Road Ahead: "You Just Do It"
With the Detroit Lions heading into a Christmas Day clash against a surging Minnesota Vikings squad, head coach Dan Campbell isn’t sugarcoating the challenge. The Vikings are riding a three-game win streak and playing with confidence - and Campbell knows his team has to be sharp in all phases to avoid a repeat of their Week 9 slip-up.
“We got our hands full, but it’s what we’re charged with,” Campbell said, laying it out plainly.
That Week 9 loss - a 27-24 defeat at home - still lingers. Campbell didn’t mince words, calling it the team’s worst performance of the season.
Penalties, missed assignments, and turnovers plagued the Lions across the board. And with a hostile Minnesota crowd awaiting, discipline becomes non-negotiable.
“We’ve got to be really disciplined. Play disciplined football on the road. It’s going to be loud there,” Campbell emphasized.
Injury Concerns: St. Brown’s Status in Question
One of the biggest question marks heading into the matchup is the health of star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. A knee issue popped up unexpectedly, and he was listed as a nonparticipant in practice.
“Hopefully this is just some type of irritation from the game,” Campbell said, noting that more clarity would come later in the week.
Managing injuries - especially this late in the season - is a delicate balance. Campbell spoke candidly about the decision-making process when players are banged up but eager to play, using Christian Mahogany as an example.
“If it’s not going to have that type of effect - like career-ending - it doesn’t mean it won’t feel good, but you feel ready to go,” Campbell said. “They’ve done all they can do, and all you can do now is play the game.”
It’s a mindset that reflects the grit Campbell demands from his team - but also the responsibility he carries to protect his players from themselves.
Defensive Disconnect: Front Seven Healthy, Results Lagging
Despite having a relatively healthy front seven, the Lions’ defense hasn’t looked in sync lately. Campbell pointed to a lack of cohesion between the pass rush and coverage units - a critical relationship that, when off, can unravel drives in a hurry.
“We’ve gotten hit on a number of plays,” he admitted.
One adjustment that backfired? Playing with a lighter box to address coverage concerns - a move that left Detroit vulnerable against the run. Missed tackles and poor positioning only compounded the issue.
“It’s obviously too much, man. It’s not sustainable,” Campbell said, acknowledging the breakdowns but also highlighting the silver lining: young players gaining valuable reps under fire.
Still, Campbell didn’t deflect blame. He owned the team’s recent struggles, especially the sense that the Lions have drifted from their identity.
“I’m the head coach, so I think that comes from me,” he said.
Ground Game Struggles: Execution and Scheme Both at Fault
Detroit’s run game - a pillar of their offensive identity - has sputtered in recent weeks. And Campbell knows it takes more than just a good back to fix it.
“It takes really all 11 guys to get the run game going,” he said, pointing to missed reads and blown blocking assignments as key culprits.
The Lions have been known for their physicality in the trenches, but that edge has dulled. Campbell stressed the importance of regaining control up front, especially against a Vikings team that thrives on ball control and defensive pressure.
“If we can’t get the run game in our favor, it becomes very, very difficult,” he warned.
Clock Management: A Calculated Gamble
Campbell also addressed a key moment from the recent game against Pittsburgh - a late first-half decision that involved taking a shot downfield instead of bleeding the clock. The play worked, but it left Pittsburgh with time to respond.
It was a calculated risk - one of those gray-area decisions coaches live with all season.
Bright Spot: Kingsley Eguakun Steps Up
One encouraging development came in the form of rookie Kingsley Eguakun, who recently made his first start. Campbell praised his competitiveness and speed, calling the debut “really encouraging.” In a season where depth is being tested across the board, Eguakun’s emergence is a welcome sign.
Playoff Push: No Time for Excuses
With just two games left in the regular season, the Lions are still in the thick of the playoff hunt - but they’ll need to tighten things up fast. Campbell’s message to the team was clear: recover, refocus, and move forward.
“Nobody’s going to feel sorry for us. Nobody cares,” he said.
“We got a game plan ready for them. They got to go out there and digest it as fast as they can and be ready to go.”
As for reclaiming the team’s identity - something that’s felt a bit off in recent weeks - Campbell didn’t offer a long-winded explanation.
“You just do it,” he said.
It’s a fitting mantra for a team that built its rise on toughness, unity, and execution. And now, with the season on the line, it’s time to find that edge again - fast.