DETROIT – Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell reflected on the team’s recent win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, emphasizing that the biggest takeaway was simply that “we played better.”
Campbell highlighted that the team performed well across all three phases of the game and made critical plays at crucial moments during his appearance on the Costa and Jansen show on 97.1 The Ticket on Tuesday (Dec. 9).
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He noted that many players stepped up, making it a total team effort that earned the victory.
When asked about developing consistency with only four games left in the season, Campbell stressed the importance of focusing on fundamentals.
Campbell acknowledged ongoing mistakes, such as pre-snap penalties and alignment issues, but said the team is actively working to address them.
“You start with the stuff you have complete control over, your own focus, your own discipline,” said Campbell.
Campbell admitted that stringing back-to-back wins has been challenging because the team is “not playing clean enough football.”
He said the mistakes the Lions are making are unusual for them and again pointed to discipline as the key area for improvement.
“We keep attacking them. We get some guys to really grow up for us and grow up fast,” Campbell added.
Regarding the benefits and risks of having 10 days between games due to the bye week, Campbell said the team plans to use the extra time for mental work and fundamentals while keeping practices short.
Campbell praised the Los Angeles Rams as a “really good team” that is well-coached, talented, and disciplined.
“This is the cream of the crop right now,” Campbell said.
Campbell also discussed the Lions’ defensive success against Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
He explained that pressure schemes vary week to week depending on the opponent and praised his defensive staff for making effective adjustments.
The Lions disrupted the Dallas offense while also stopping the run, a balance Campbell called difficult but important.
Injuries
On the injury front, Campbell gave an update on safety Kerby Joseph, saying Joseph needs to string together a few good practices without setbacks before returning to the field.
Campbell said Joseph needs to “string a couple of practices together” where he feels and looks good, with no lingering effects the following day.
“We won’t know until late in the week,” Campbell said, noting the challenge of preparing for a West Coast game at high altitude.
Despite the hurdles, Campbell expressed optimism, saying Joseph is at a point where the team can get him back on the field and hopefully have him practice consistently.
Campbell also discussed the left guard position, where rookie Miles Frazier got his first significant NFL reps last week.
Campbell said he plans to continue using Frasier while also playing Trystan Colon, noting both have room for improvement.
David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs
Campbell addressed the running back rotation amid calls for more playing time for David Montgomery.
Campbell emphasized that both Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are valuable and that ideally, he would give all his playmakers more touches.
However, the key is converting on early downs to extend drives and create more opportunities.
“I love David Montgomery. I love Gibbs. They’re both valuable players for us. I wish I could give them both a heavy load.
I wish I could get all of our guys a million touches. The first thing we got to do we got to convert.
We have to convert on third downs or not even get there first, second down, first, second down, and reload the downs.
So, we get more plays, which enables our playmakers to get the ball in their hands, because we’re better when they’re all involved.
We’re just a better offense, but that requires us converting.
We converted early, and then really we stayed out of third down the other day.
We only had eight of them. That’s huge, and all those guys stepped up and 10:00 played big."
Dan Campbell
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Campbell praised wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for his exceptional impact on the team, both on and off the stat sheet.
He described St. Brown as a “rarity” and “special,” calling him unselfish, tough, and highly intelligent.
Despite playing through injury, St. Brown’s mindset is clear: “If I can go, then I’m going to be able to produce. Otherwise, I can’t go. I just can’t do it for my team,” Campbell said.
Campbell highlighted St. Brown’s determination to compete at 80% or less and his commitment to his teammates. “He’s a heartbeat for us, man.
He’s unreal," Campbell said, emphasizing that the team has several players with similar unselfish attitudes.
St. Brown finished the game against the Cowboys, catching six passes on nine targets for 92 yards in the “must-win” scenario to keep Detroit’s playoff hopes alive as they improved to 8-5 while playing on a low-ankle sprain.