For the first time in a long time, Detroit Lions and Coach Dan Campbell were real Super Bowl contenders this season, but they were struck down by the Washington Commanders and shocked the league with an early exit from the playoffs.
This Lions team ended the regular season 15-2 and set the franchise record for most games won. The team entered the playoffs seeded first in the NFC for the first time in franchise history and escaped the first round of the playoffs with a bye-week.
Campbell's Gambles
Their game against the Commanders was well fought, but ultimately their defense couldn’t find a way to stop Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. The real turning point of the game was during a classic Lions trick play in which wide receiver Jameson Williams threw an interception late in the game. Despite being down 38-28, before the interception, the Lions held the momentum and had nearly a whole quarter to claw their way back.
This interesting play call made by Campbell so late in such a tight game sparked much controversy among Lions fans. Campbell had a plethora of trick plays that he incorporated throughout the Lions season, including one that showcased a fake stumble by Lions quarterback Jared Goff. This “Oscar worthy performance” by Goff froze the Bears defense, and resulted in a 21-yard touchdown for the Lions, but unfortunately for the Lions, the Commanders were not so easily fooled.
While Campbell may have a different way of tackling the game than most coaches, he found a way to bring the Lions great success and growth during the past couple of seasons, which made this loss a hard pill to swallow. Campbell showed great vulnerability following the loss, and got rather emotional when talking about their defeat.
“It's my fault. It’s my fault,” Campbell told reporters through concealed sobs.
Campbell displayed great emotion and care for his players during his post-game interview, which proves further how important this season was to him. The Lion’s momentum came to a screeching halt with this loss, but it doesn’t take away from their talent-filled roster. While there have not yet been any player trades or contracts that will greatly impact the Lions after this loss, their coaching staff has lost three key components.
Lions Coaching Shifts
Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has moved out from under Campbell’s wing and has now taken over the head coaching position for the Chicago Bears. Johnson has not mentioned his reason for leaving, but says that the Lions will remain a “juggernaut” next season. Before Campbell appointed Johnson as his play-caller, he was relatively unknown, but now he and Campbell will battle it out in an NFC matchup next year, both at the head of the ship.
On the defensive side, the Lions coaching staff is now down two pieces. Aaron Glenn, former defensive coordinator, took a new role with the New York Jets. ben Johnson, who was the teams defensive line coach, moved on to be the new defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. These losses are significant and will leave Campbell busy finding some new additions during the off season.
The agony of defeat is not an easy obstacle to overcome, however, if Campbell can wrangle up the personnel he needs, the Lions can keep climbing the ladder of success.
Edited by Taylor N. Hall
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