Lions Head Coach Encourages Team to Stay Focused and Avoid Taking Wins for Granted
The Detroit Lions’ 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day was not just another win—it marked their first Thanksgiving victory since 2016, extending their incredible 2024 season to an 11-1 record. While the team continues to dominate the NFC and control the top playoff seed, Coach Dan Campbell took the opportunity to remind his players of a critical lesson in the postgame locker room.
A Message to Stay Grounded
After the thrilling win, Campbell gathered his team and offered a reminder that struck at the heart of maintaining focus during a standout season. The Lions, despite their success, need to be cautious not to “grade their own wins” too harshly.
“I told the team, ‘If you’re not careful, you start grading your own wins,’” Campbell shared with reporters. “And it’s good because you have these standards and the way you think you should play by your own standards, by what you have. It has nothing to do with the opponent.”
Campbell’s message was clear: As one of the league’s top teams, the Lions are on a trajectory to become even more dangerous, but they must not let the success of individual victories diminish their approach. “If you’re not careful, you start going too far down that thing and you start taking wins for granted,” he warned. “Ultimately, that’s a good win.”
A Win, But at What Cost?
While the victory was crucial in securing their hold on the NFC’s top spot, the Lions did not come away unscathed. The win against the Bears came at a steep price, with several key defensive players suffering injuries during the game. These injuries threaten to complicate an already challenging season, as Detroit is already without several starters, including defensive star Aidan Hutchinson.
The injuries on Thanksgiving were widespread, particularly on the defensive line. Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and Mekhi Wingo all suffered knee injuries, while linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez also sustained a knee injury. Cornerback Kahlil Dorsey added to the list with an ankle injury, and other players dealt with minor issues. While many of the injured players returned to the game, it’s unclear how severe these injuries might be, especially considering the team’s already thin defense.
“We’re gonna take a long weekend, so we’ll find out more on Monday,” Campbell said, adding a note of concern as he addressed the media. “But the truth is, we’ve got to get ready for the Packers.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to Recovery
Despite the injury setbacks, the Lions’ mindset remains firm. Campbell’s message rings true as the team prepares for a quick turnaround, with just a few days to recover before their next matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. The Lions will need to focus on recuperating as best as they can in order to maintain their momentum in the playoff race.
As Campbell said, “It’s just you know yourselves and you know what you’re capable of.” Detroit’s players now know that while they continue to impress, there’s more to be done—and that every win, no matter how it looks, is a step closer to their ultimate goal.
