Dan Campbell’s Frustration After Tough Loss to the Packers
Following the Detroit Lions’ narrow 31-24 defeat to the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field, head coach Dan Campbell addressed reporters with a mix of pride and disappointment.
Opening Remarks
“Credit to that team and Coach Matt LaFleur,” Campbell began. “They did a great job closing out the game and making the critical plays. I’m proud of how our guys fought and came in ready to go. We had plenty of energy, but ultimately, this game came down to those fourth-down situations. We were 0-2 on those, while they capitalized on three of theirs. Those pivotal moments truly make the difference against a strong opponent.”
He continued, “It’s frustrating, and I know that. We have a lot to be thankful for, even after a loss. However, the reality is, we’ve put ourselves in a bit of a hole. That’s the bottom line. Our focus now needs to be on cleaning things up and preparing for the next game.”
The Fourth-Down Dichotomy
Campbell reflected on the contrasting fortunes of both teams when it came to converting on fourth down. “It was a smart decision by them to go for the win. They executed it well, and (Brian Branch) was in position, but (Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks) made an outstanding play. We weren’t out of position; it just came down to those moments. I wasn’t thrilled with one of our fourth-down calls, and we had an opportunity at the end, but we just couldn’t get it done.”
Future Fourth-Down Strategy
When asked if the team’s approach to fourth downs would change moving forward, Campbell asserted, “No, it largely depends on the context of the game—where we are, who we’re playing, and how our defense is performing. We liked the plays we called today. You always want to convert, and we’ve had success before; it just didn’t pan out today.”
Injuries Impacting Performance
The absence of star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown due to injury was keenly felt. “Losing a guy like Amon-Ra is tough,” Campbell admitted. “He brings so much to our offense—his production, his versatility, and the little things he does in the run game. He’s incredibly smart and tough. When we lose him and (Sam) LaPorta, it becomes a challenge. But I was pleased with how (Jameson Williams) stepped up; he was electric and made big plays for us. We want to get him the ball more, but the defense took him away at times.”
Pass Rush Concerns
Addressing the struggles of the pass rush, Campbell expressed uncertainty. “I need to review the game before making any conclusions. I’m not sure what transpired, but I’ll have a better understanding once I watch the film.”
Injury Updates
On St. Brown’s status, Campbell offered a glimmer of hope. “I’ll know more tomorrow, but I don’t believe it’s a long-term issue. If we’re lucky, it could be just a week or two.”
Finding a Way Out of the Hole
Discussing how the team can climb out of their current predicament, Campbell said, “We need to focus on doing our job and winning. We also need a little help from other teams, but it starts with us. We’re the only ones who can pull ourselves out of this situation.”
The Return of Frank Ragnow
The reinstatement of center Frank Ragnow from the Reserve/Retired List brought excitement to Campbell. “I’m fired up to have Frank back. He wants to play and misses the game. He brings a lot of production back to our O-line and is a great teammate. He was one of our captains, so his presence is invaluable.”
When discussing how the reinstatement came about, Campbell shared, “This has been on his mind for a while. He called me yesterday morning, and I’m thrilled to have him back.”
Injuries Impacting Offensive Rhythm
Campbell acknowledged the challenge of maintaining offensive rhythm due to injuries along the offensive line. “It’s been a little different, and we have to adjust accordingly. I thought the line battled today, especially in the run game, and the communication was good. But we need to find our rhythm and maintain it.”
Final Offensive Possession Urgency
Regarding the team’s urgency during the final offensive possession, Campbell stated, “I understand the frustration from fans. We needed to play smart against that defensive front, aiming for the last possession. I wanted to keep it in our hands and not let them pin their ears back.”
Reflecting on Play Calling
Campbell admitted there’s always room for improvement in his play calling. “I can always do better; there’s always room for growth. Looking back, I can see where I could have made different choices. Ultimately, we lost the game, but I had a vision for how I wanted to play offensively. We just need to convert on those key plays.”
Impact of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Absence
Finally, when addressing whether the absence of St. Brown limits options on crucial downs, Campbell conceded, “Absolutely, he’s such a playmaker. But I trust our other players, like Tom Kennedy and Jamo. We still have (Jahmyr) Gibbs. If we like the players and the call, we have to trust our instincts.”
As the Lions regroup after this tough loss, Campbell’s focus will undoubtedly be on rectifying mistakes and preparing for the challenges ahead.
