Former Detroit Lions quarterback Rodney Peete believes the team is facing a major challenge that could threaten its postseason hopes. Despite entering the 2024 season as strong playoff contenders, Peete argues that head coach Dan Campbell’s decision to take over offensive play-calling may create instability at the worst possible time.
Lions Struggling to Meet Playoff Expectations
The Lions have emerged as annual playoff contenders, reaching the postseason in back-to-back years. They made a deep run to the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC in 2024.
However, Detroit has struggled to perform when it matters most—blowing a massive lead in the 2023 NFC Championship Game and losing their opening playoff matchup during the 2024 postseason.
Now sitting at 7–4 and fighting for another playoff berth, the Lions appear inconsistent. They narrowly escaped with a win against the New York Giants in Week 12 after trailing in the fourth quarter, and they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11 after failing on all five fourth-down attempts.
Peete Calls Dan Campbell’s Play-Calling a “Disruption”
Peete says the biggest red flag is that Campbell has taken over offensive play-calling from first-year offensive coordinator John Morton.
“What I don’t like about them right now, which concerns me, is that Dan Campbell took over the play-calling duties,” Peete said in a one-on-one interview. “They’re coming off a year with Ben Johnson, who was the guy, and they were good last year. But now John Morton is not calling the plays. Now it’s Dan Campbell calling the plays. It’s just a disruption.”
Morton, formerly the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2017, is in his first season with Detroit. Campbell’s decision to step in raises concerns about continuity and offensive rhythm.
Offensive Results Have Been Hot-and-Cold
Campbell took over play-calling before Detroit’s Week 10 matchup with the Washington Commanders—a move that immediately paid off as the Lions put up 44 points.
But the momentum didn’t last. Detroit managed just nine points in a Week 11 loss to the Eagles before rebounding with 34 points in their win over the Giants.
This inconsistency fuels Peete’s warning: Campbell’s hands-on approach could spark unnecessary distraction during Detroit’s playoff push.
Can the Lions Stabilize Before the Playoffs?
With the NFC playoff race tightening, the Lions must find offensive consistency. If Campbell can balance aggressive decision-making with smarter situational play-calling, Detroit still has the talent to make a run.
But if Peete’s concerns materialize, the Lions could see another promising season end in disappointment.
