Dan Campbell instills urgency as Lions strive for playoff aspirations with critical clash against Steelers
The Detroit Lions find themselves at a pivotal juncture in their pursuit of a playoff berth. The path is clear, yet fraught with challenges. To secure a postseason spot, the Lions must win their final three games while hoping that the Chicago Bears stumble in at least one of their next two matchups against the Green Bay Packers or the San Francisco 49ers.
Dan Campbell’s Focus on the Present
On Wednesday, head coach Dan Campbell underscored the urgency of their situation, calling for a single-minded focus on their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “We’ve got to win the first one,” he stated firmly. “Like I mentioned the other day, we need this victory to set the stage for the next one. It’s all about taking it week by week, game by game. That’s our only focus right now,” he added, emphasizing the need to return to the fundamentals. “We have to ramp up the urgency and get ready to go.”
Four Key Factors for the Lions’ Success
As the Lions gear up for their final stretch, several critical areas will dictate their success.
Limit Explosive Plays
Consistency has eluded the Lions over the past nine games, where they have managed just a 4-5 record. A significant part of their struggles can be traced to their defense, which has been susceptible to big plays. Currently, the Lions rank tied for fifth in the league in terms of explosive plays allowed, sitting at 6.7 percent. Their EPA (Expected Points Added) per play stands at -0.01, placing them tied for 16th in the NFL. The absence of key players in the secondary, including Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, has exacerbated these issues. In their recent match against the Rams, the defense was notably vulnerable against the run, a departure from their typically strong performance in that area. To secure three consecutive victories, the Lions need to tighten their defensive efforts and limit opposing offenses.
Win on First Down
Throughout the season, the Lions have struggled with third-down conversions, currently ranked 17th at 38.4 percent. A critical factor in improving this statistic lies in their ability to succeed on first downs. When the Lions generate positive yardage early in drives, they tend to thrive. Conversely, when they face long third downs, their ability to extend drives diminishes significantly. Avoiding penalties on first down will be crucial. Staying out of first-and-long situations allows Campbell to maintain a rhythm in play-calling and gives quarterback Jared Goff the opportunity to manage the offense with greater efficiency.
Jahmyr Gibbs Must Find the End Zone
A curious trend has emerged this season: the Lions have yet to win a game in which running back Jahmyr Gibbs does not score. This underscores the importance of incorporating Gibbs into their offensive strategy. In his third NFL season, Gibbs has amassed an impressive 1,100 rushing yards over 14 games. However, there have been moments when the team struggled to capitalize on his explosive potential. In victories, Gibbs averages 145.1 all-purpose yards, showcasing his ability to change the game, as seen in his standout performance against the Giants, where he racked up 264 all-purpose yards and a crucial game-winning touchdown in overtime. Conversely, in losses, his production dips to an average of just 72 yards. For the Lions to achieve their goal of consecutive wins, Gibbs’ contributions must be central to their game plan.
Apply Pressure on the Quarterback
Another vital component of the Lions’ strategy revolves around their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The team ranks seventh in the league with 39 sacks, led by Aidan Hutchinson’s impressive 9.5. A staggering 28 of those sacks have come in games the Lions won, compared to just 11 in their losses. This translates to an average of 3.5 sacks per win versus 1.5 in losses. Detroit has found success in games where they can record three or more sacks, boasting a 5-2 record in such instances. By effectively pressuring quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers, J.J. McCarthy, and Caleb Williams, the Lions can alleviate some of the strain on their secondary.
As the Lions approach this crucial matchup, executing these four keys will be essential. The team possesses the talent and potential to not only finish the regular season strong but also to make a significant playoff push, provided they take care of business on the field.
