The Lions have had the three largest blowouts of the NFL season: They defeated the Jaguars by 46 points on Sunday, and earlier this season, they beat the Cowboys and Titans by 38 points each. No other team has won by more than 37 points in 2024.
However, blowout wins raise concerns about running up the score and keeping starters in too long. Lions coach Dan Campbell acknowledges that some may criticize his decision to keep key players in the game with big leads, but he welcomes such feedback.
“This doesn’t usually happen. This is the third time this has come up this season, and that’s a good problem to have,” Campbell said. “You want to make sure you finish strong, maintain your rhythm, and keep it going.”
Quarterback Jared Goff and other starters were still playing into the fourth quarter, with Goff throwing passes. After the offense scored its seventh touchdown on seven possessions, Campbell pulled Goff and several starters.
However, Campbell was questioned as to why right tackle Penei Sewell, a key player, stayed in the game the whole time. He explained that with only eight active offensive linemen, they couldn’t substitute all five starters, and he prioritizes resting older players or those with injuries. Sewell, being young and healthy, remained in.
“You have to do what’s necessary to finish the game, and there’s only so much you can do,” Campbell said.
Campbell also made it clear that he won’t let the fear of injuries alter his team’s approach.
“I don’t want to let the fear of injury change our identity,” Campbell said. “Once you start worrying about injuries, that’s when bad things happen.”
