The Detroit Lions didn’t get the Thanksgiving result they wanted, falling 31-24 to the Green Bay Packers, and head coach Dan Campbell wasn’t interested in excuses. Instead, he delivered one of his most honest and self-critical press conferences of the season — a message that resonated with fans looking for accountability.
Campbell Takes Full Responsibility After Costly Loss
Campbell opened his postgame remarks by shutting down any talk of bad luck, injuries, or officiating.
“We dug ourselves a little bit of a hole. That’s the bottom line.”
With the Lions now losing three of their last five games, Campbell admitted the mistakes are becoming a serious problem — and the only way out is through the team itself.
“We did it to ourselves… and we’re the only ones who are going to get out of it as well.”
This straight-forward message reflects the culture Campbell has built in Detroit: no blame, no excuses, just ownership.
Fourth-Down Decisions Prove Costly
The biggest difference in the Thanksgiving matchup came on fourth-down plays — an area where the Lions have typically thrived.
Lions: 0-for-2 on fourth down
Packers: 3-for-3, with two conversions leading to touchdowns
Campbell acknowledged that one of his decisions wasn’t ideal.
“One of those I didn’t like… I don’t know how good of an opportunity we really gave our guys on that first one.”
Still, he made it clear the Lions won’t shy away from their aggressive identity.
“You always want to convert them… It just didn’t work out today.”
Campbell Stresses Focus, Not Panic
Despite the recent struggles and the tightening NFC North race, Campbell said the message inside the locker room remains simple:
“All we got to do is worry about cleaning up this and then getting to the next game.”
He also admitted the Lions may need some help in the standings now — but emphasized that nothing matters if Detroit doesn’t handle its own business.
“You got to win and you need a little help… but it all starts with you doing your job.”
Lions Must Bounce Back With Injuries Mounting
With Amon-Ra St. Brown dealing with an ankle injury and the offense struggling to find its rhythm, Campbell acknowledged the challenges — but refused to let them become excuses.
“It’s frustrating. It sucks. It’s tough, but we’ve done it… and we’re the only ones who are going to get out of it as well.”
What’s Next for Detroit?
Campbell’s tone made one thing clear: the Lions are far from finished. With a critical stretch of games ahead, Detroit will need to clean up the mistakes quickly if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.
The coach set the tone.
Now it’s up to the team to follow it.
