Detroit Lions: Head coach Dan Campbell is the Lion tamer
By Pat Pitts
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell seems like more than just a head coach.
Enough is enough. It is time for a real change.
The Detroit Lions realized this last season when they fired head coach Matt Patricia after three disappointing seasons. The defensive genius struggled to stop opposing offenses, especially stopping the pass. As a result, they ranked inside the bottom five in the league all three seasons under Patricia.
The Detroit Lions have struggled to figure it out. They have one playoff berth in the last ten seasons but 0 wins. They have not won in the playoffs since Barry Sanders carried the ball. Matthew Stafford could not change their fate due to injuries and perhaps a lack of overall talent around him, aside from Calvin Johnson, of course.
More from Detroit Lions
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Signing This Former Pro-Bowl CB Would Be Huge Mistake for Lions
- Forecasting the Rest of This Lions Season (Score Predictions)
- Lions Get Exciting Injury Update on Rookie QB Hendon Hooker
- Betting Preview: Best Bets for Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving Day Game
This time is different. The losing cycle for the Detroit Lions is expected to end now.
How do I know this? Why am I so confident in this prediction? Have you seen what is going on at Lions’ training camp?
Campbell’s crew took the field Wednesday for the first day of training camp. The rookies, free agent signings, and returning players link up for the first of many days on the road to a championship. Campbell did not go easy on them.
Campbell began practice by ordering his troops to do 40 up-downs. He even dropped down and participated alongside his players. Have you seen Matt Patricia do an up-down?
Dan Campbell: Football guy pic.twitter.com/l5H501JO3D
— Action Network NFL (@ActionNetNFL) July 29, 2021
In a few short months, the Lions front office has made many impactful decisions to steer the ship in a new direction. Training camp displayed a few glimpses of change on the horizon.
Campbell’s press conferences have turned into must-watch television. When he speaks, you listen. For example, Campbell has discussed Jamaal Williams’ role in the offense. According to Adam Koffler, Campbell plans to utilize Williams in a Latavius Murray role, making Swift the Kamara of the backfield.
If he keeps his word, it could be the first step on a Lions RB rushing for 1000 yards. They have only had two since 2003. Anthony Lynn steps in to help D’Andre Swift achieve this milestone. Lynn produces workhorse backs; look at Melvin Gordon and LeSean McCoy.
He brings another element Lions players are not familiar with, structure. Campbell informed his players of four rules they must follow during camp.
Dan Campbell said he gave players 4 rules for training camp.
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) July 28, 2021
1. Don't be late
2. Keep your weight in check
3. Don't disrespect teammates
4. Don't disrespect game
It seems like Campbell spent some time at ‘Tom Coughlin University’ for head coaches. Both coaches want to do whatever it takes to get the best out of their players. The Giants were not the most talented team during Coughlin’s years, but they won two Super Bowls. How?
Teams win Super Bowls. It does not matter how much talent a team stacked on a roster. Players need to be able to put their egos aside for one game, sixty minutes. Campbell craves a Super Bowl just like the hungry fans of Ford Field.
Next. Tracy Walker needs to bounce back in 2021. dark
Campbell has breathed life into a lifeless organization. He brings the energy, discipline, and knowledge to a position the Lions have struggled to find consistency for over a hundred seasons. But, it’s different in 2021. Hope has returned. Let’s pray it sticks around until February.