Detroit Lions have their guy; media needs to leave Dan Campbell alone

When will it end for the Detroit Lions? Why can’t they seem to catch a break?

Things seem to remain bleak for Detroit’s football team. Every chance the Detroit Lions have to win football games seems to be snatched out of their hands at the very last second. They fight their way back just to be pushed back down. How does a fanbase put themselves through this week after week?

Head coach, Dan Campbell, faced the noise after the heartbreaking loss to the Vikings this past Sunday. He stood as the world put him in the spotlight to answer questions about the tragic loss that had just unfolded. He shared his thoughts, but mostly feelings.

Campbell began to tear up at the podium, sharing with the media how heartbreaking it is to have a locker room full of players giving it 110% week in and week out, only to have a moment like that swipe it from under you.

The Lions fall to 0-5. It may not be the start fans wanted, but they may need to take a step back before demanding that Jared Goff be benched for David Blough. The uneducated fan is the worst. I am tired of scrolling through Lions fans’ social media posts about what they would do.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is under enough fire from the media.

Campbell breaking down at the podium showed his love and devotion for the organization. He wants to win just as badly as the players on the field. Did Matt Patricia show an ounce of emotion like that during his tenure? I do not think so.

The Vikings won the game 19-17 on that game-winning field goal, but fans need to see the big picture. The organization has been in its best hands since the days of Bobby Layne. Success comes to those who are patient enough to wait; the wait is over.

The Lions’ defense even forced a clutch turnover. When has that happened before? Campbell’s crew fought back into the game late in the fourth quarter. They needed a stop to force a punt with a little over a minute left. They did one better.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin stripped Alexander Mattison on third down, giving the Lions a first and goal with a shot at their first win. Goff, who had an up and down day, provided the ball to Swift, who strolled into the end zone with 39 seconds remaining. They did it.

Unfortunately, Captain Kirk set his offense up with a game-winning field goal opportunity after two quick passes for over 40 yards. The Vikings took the heart out of the Lions.

After practice Monday, Campbell told reporters that Reeves-Maybin had been the most improved player this season. He did something that the Lions have yet to see, a clutch turnover. Those moments happen by players digging deep down to make a name for themselves; Patricia’s players stopped digging after the first half.

Should the Detroit Lions start David Blough over Jared Goff?

I cannot believe this was a serious suggestion. It boggles my mind that fans can watch the past five games and blame Goff. He lacks a reliable WR1 to throw to on critical downs. He lost another pass catcher on Sunday to injury. Quintez Cephus broke his collarbone against the Vikings, confirmed by Campbell on Monday.

Kaliff Raymond and Amon-Ra St.Brown are left to step up. So these are Goff’s best options after T.J. Hockenson? Wonderful.

Also, the offensive line has failed to meet expectations for multiple reasons. First, Taylor Decker remains out, which is something Campbell discussed on Monday. He said that he hopes he returns this week, but hoping and confirming are two different things.

Penei Sewell has struggled to make an impact so far. He looks a tad lost on the field, along with committing a lot of bone-headed penalties, taking the offense out of the drive. He must improve if they want to start putting points on the board.

Goff has to deal with these problems while attempting to revive a dormant offense. He rarely has time to get the pass off, forcing him to be sacked or turn the ball over. Nevertheless, he makes good decisions and a few highlight-worthy plays with what he has. Opposing defenses would eat Blough for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Lions will win a game in 2021. They are within reach. Campbell works harder than any Lions coach fans have seen walk in and out of the organization’s revolving door. Campbell established himself on Sunday as a Lion for life. He will bring them success; fans need to remain patient.

It’s coming.