Since Detroit opened the season against Green Bay, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has repeated one consistent theme after every game, regardless of outcome: there’s always more work to be done. That message didn’t change following Sunday’s 41–34 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams.
With the loss, Detroit finds itself at 8–6 and currently on the wrong side of the playoff picture. With only three games remaining, their postseason odds have dipped to roughly 30 percent or lower.
As the pressure builds, Campbell was asked whether his team can still pull things together in time to earn a third consecutive playoff appearance under his watch.
Campbell explained that delivering the same message sometimes requires a new approach. He said coaches must constantly find different ways to communicate, hoping that a slight change in delivery or emphasis might finally resonate.
“You keep teaching it, but you don’t always say it the same way,” Campbell said. “Sometimes how you explain it or show it is what finally clicks. That’s why you keep adjusting. I believe we’ll clean this up. I believe these mistakes will get corrected.”
He also pointed out that responsibility extends beyond those directly involved in a particular play. Players must learn from reps even when the mistake wasn’t theirs. Campbell noted that several players who previously held limited roles are now receiving extended playing time, and growth is expected to come with those opportunities.
“The only solution I know is to get back to work,” Campbell said. “You prepare the right way — strong practices, good meetings, solid planning — and then you let the players go execute. You’ve got to cut it loose.”
Detroit’s immediate task is straightforward: take care of business against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field in their final home game of the regular season. That’s the first step toward correcting issues across offense, defense, and special teams.
Still, the road ahead is steep. The Lions must win their final three games — something they haven’t accomplished since October — and also need the Chicago Bears to lose at least once over their next two contests. If that happens, the season would come down to a decisive Week 18 matchup with Chicago for the final playoff berth.
While questions remain about the interior offensive line and occasional offensive stagnation, Detroit entered last weekend leading the NFL in scoring at 30.3 points per game. The more alarming concern has been the secondary.
Over the past four games, Lions defensive backs have allowed 1,377 passing yards and 10 touchdown throws. Opposing quarterbacks have topped 360 yards in three of those outings.
Injuries have played a role. Cornerback Brian Branch and rookie Terrion Arnold are done for the year, while All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph has missed eight games with a knee injury. Even so, for a team that prides itself on depth and resilience, the defensive backfield must improve quickly if postseason hopes are to survive.
When asked whether his own playing career offered any lessons for navigating this moment, Campbell kept his answer simple and direct.
“It’s about going back to work,” Campbell said. “Don’t focus on all the ‘what ifs.’ We wanted to win every game on the schedule — Week 1, Week 2, Week 8 — and we want to win this one, too.”
His message was clear: focus on preparation, pay attention to the details, and trust teammates to handle their responsibilities.
“Do your job as well as you possibly can,” Campbell said. “Trust the guy next to you to do the same, and let’s go find a way to win.”
