The Detroit Lions are coming off the most disappointing season of the Dan Campbell era, even the first one. Expectations were so high that not even making the playoffs felt like a bigger gut punch than having a losing season.
That's why, even with all the talent they have, especially on offense, it's easy to understand why some might be skeptical. This team didn't have joint practices, and the starters barely played in the preseason, so they might be a little rusty.
Considering that, Coach Campbell tried his best to appease the fans and let them know there was nothing to worry about. He likes his team's chances as much as every season, not only in Week 1 but regardless of who they have to face.
Dan Campbell is confident in the 2026 Detroit Lions
“We will be ready. We will be ready, and we will be a formidable foe for any opponent that gets ready to face us. It’s been an outstanding training camp. We’ve got weapons, and we’ve got an army on the o-line and d-line. So, we will be ready starting Week 1,” Campbell said on Amon-Ra St. Brown's podcast.
Of course, it's not like he would've said anything different, but Campbell isn't the one to hold back just to be politically correct. For better or worse, he's an emotional man, and while he's clearly biased, he wouldn't have said that unless he truly believed it.
The injury bug has stung the Lions pretty harshly, especially on defense. There are still concerns about their safeties, with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph nursing injuries, and their cornerback situation is far from ideal.
That said, defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard showed signs of promise in his first year in the job. Alim McNeil is healthy again, Aidan Hutchinson is still a superstar, and they have more than enough offensive firepower to outscore everyone else in the league.
Even with a banged-up Sam LaPorta and with Isaac TeSlaa struggling in the preseason, new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing still has three elite weapons in Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams, who's drawn an incredible amount of buzz through training camp.
The New Orleans Saints won't be an easy matchup. They're the type of up-and-coming, pesky team that can give contenders a ton of trouble if they don't take them seriously, but that definitely won't be a problem with Campbell at the helm.
It's easy to have doubts after watching last season's tape, but every season should be seen in a vacuum. The Lions are as much a Super Bowl contender now as they were in 2025, and even though people are quick to forget, those who sleep on Campbell's team will be in for a tough awakening.
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