Dan Campbell Talks Lions’ Playoff Push, Blitz Protection, and Christmas Day Clash with Vikings
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - With the playoffs still very much in play, Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn’t looking to shake things up just yet. As Detroit gears up for a Christmas Day showdown with the Minnesota Vikings, Campbell gave a wide-ranging update on the team’s mindset, injury concerns, and the challenges ahead - all with his signature mix of grit, candor, and just a touch of holiday humor.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: Trending Up, But Not 100%
Star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown is dealing with some irritation, and while it’s not a major setback, the short week complicates things. Campbell called the news “positive,” but it’s clear the team will be monitoring him closely in the lead-up to Thursday’s game.
“He’s a little irritated,” Campbell said. “It’s a short week, so we’ll see. But I would say it’s still positive news.”
Translation: don’t count him out, but don’t count on him being at full throttle either.
Sticking With the Core Group
With postseason hopes alive, Campbell made it clear he’s not looking to experiment with the lineup just for development’s sake.
“My thought right now is going in with what we’ve had, the guys that we feel give us a chance to win this game,” he said. “So for the most part, it’ll be status quo.”
That means the Lions are rolling with their trusted veterans and key contributors, even as some rookies continue to push for more snaps.
Kingsley Eguakun Turning Heads
One of those rookies, center Kingsley Eguakun, has impressed in limited action - and he might be called upon again soon. Graham Glasgow is nursing a knee issue, and Campbell acknowledged Eguakun’s emergence has given the staff something to think about.
“I was encouraged by Kingsley. I thought he did a good job,” Campbell said. “We’re weighing that right now, too.”
For a team that’s built its identity in the trenches, having depth and flexibility on the interior line could be a quiet X-factor down the stretch.
Fixing the Blitz Breakdown
The last time Detroit faced Minnesota, the Vikings’ blitz-heavy approach caused all sorts of problems. Campbell didn’t sugarcoat it.
“We have to be better. That’s on us as coaches,” he said.
“We made so many mistakes all over the map. We just have to eliminate the errors.”
The solution? It’s going to take everyone - from quarterback Jared Goff to the offensive line, backs, tight ends, and even the receivers. Campbell emphasized the need for clear communication, fast execution, and smart adjustments at the line.
“There’s going to be a ton put on Jared Goff,” he said. “These guys [Minnesota] present a lot of problems and challenges.”
Campbell also pointed to the importance of tight ends and backs chipping defenders, and receivers playing faster than the pressure - a total team effort to keep the offense on schedule.
Jack Campbell Named to Pro Bowl
Linebacker Jack Campbell is headed to the Pro Bowl, and his head coach couldn’t be prouder.
“He’s gotten better every year. He’s been on an upward trajectory,” Campbell said.
“He just works. He’s a workhorse and loves the ball.”
Campbell noted that the second-year linebacker has logged more snaps than anyone else on the team this season - a testament to his consistency and durability in the heart of the defense.
He’s not alone, either. The NFL named five Lions to the Pro Bowl: Jack Campbell, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, tackle Penei Sewell, and St. Brown.
Vikings QB Situation & Max Brosmer’s Challenge
Minnesota will be without J.J. McCarthy, who’s sidelined with a hairline fracture in his throwing hand. That puts Max Brosmer under center for the Christmas Day clash - and while he’s not as seasoned, Campbell isn’t overlooking him.
“If you give him time, he can throw it,” Campbell said. “He’s accurate and has receivers to throw to. We have to disrupt him and not let the run game get going.”
Expect the Lions to dial up pressure early and often to test the young quarterback and force Minnesota to lean on their ground game.
Tyleik Williams Showing Growth
Rookie defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is another young Lion making strides. Campbell credited his weekly improvement and reduced inconsistency, especially in defending the run.
“He’s improved every week,” Campbell said. “That’s the growth of a rookie.”
Williams is now part of a strong interior rotation that includes Alim McNeill, Roy Lopez, and D.J. Reader - a group that will be key in shutting down Minnesota’s rushing attack.
Flores’ Defense Keeps Lions on Alert
Facing Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is never simple. His schemes are known for their complexity and unpredictability, and Campbell knows it’ll be a full-team effort to match up.
“You have to be ready for everything,” Campbell said. “He keeps you on your toes. It takes all of us, including me.”
That means Goff will have more on his plate than usual - identifying pressures, adjusting protections, and making quick reads. But Campbell also praised Eguakun’s ability to handle adjustments if needed, showing confidence in the rookie’s football IQ.
A Christmas Clash, and a Family Tradition
As for playing on Christmas Day? Campbell isn’t sweating the calendar.
“It’s on the schedule. We roll.
It’s what we’re doing. We’re going to be ready,” he said.
And in true Dan Campbell fashion, he couldn’t resist sharing a holiday memory - one that involves a classic dad move.
“I laugh because my dad would always get me underwear for Christmas. That was always the running joke,” he said with a grin.
“Just some tidy whities. And actually, mom got them, but he always said they were from him.”
Campbell said he hasn’t passed that tradition on to his own kids - but he did emphasize what matters most this time of year.
“Christmas is a special time. I love Christmas and family and friends and all that. And so we just need to win.”
What’s Next
The Lions and Vikings will kick off on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET, streaming on Netflix. With playoff implications on the line and a division rival across the field, this one has all the makings of a holiday classic in the NFC North.