Dan Campbell gets it. The hype, the expectations, the talk of Super Bowls and parades down Woodward Avenue. But if you’re expecting the Detroit Lions head coach to lean into all that noise, think again.
“It’s about this game right now,” Campbell said Monday, with a conviction that could knock over a fully grown grizzly.*
For Lions fans, this is uncharted territory. A 15-2 season, the NFC’s top seed, and back-to-back division titles? It almost feels too good to be true—like the plot of a football movie nobody would believe. But for Campbell, all that noise is just static. His team’s focus is locked on one thing: beating the Washington Commanders this Saturday.
From Laughingstock to Contender
It’s been a wild ride since Campbell took over in 2021. Remember that first season? Three measly wins. The national media wrote Detroit off as the NFL’s eternal punchline. But Campbell wasn’t having it. He didn’t just weather the storm—he built a dang yacht out of it.
Three consecutive winning seasons later, the Lions aren’t just contenders. They’re legit Super Bowl favorites. And yet, Campbell insists they haven’t arrived.
“We’ve had attention for four years,” he said. “We’ve been the best, the worst, the joke, the highlight. This is nothing new for us.”
That’s Campbell in a nutshell—grounded, gritty, and always looking forward.
The Commanders Are No Pushovers
Detroit’s first postseason hurdle comes in the form of the Washington Commanders, a team riding a six-game win streak. Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington isn’t just showing up for the vibes. They’re dangerous.
“These guys are legit,” Campbell admitted. “Dynamic quarterback. Good offense. Solid defense. They’re well-coached. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Campbell’s players have spent the week watching film from the Wild Card Round. Not just the big plays, but the little moments—the penalties, the missed assignments—that swung games.
“That’s what the playoffs are,” Campbell explained. “One extra play. Doing your job in the heat of the moment. If you don’t, the other team’s moving on.”
Reinforcements Are Coming
If there’s one piece of good news for Lions fans, it’s the return of running back David Montgomery. After missing the last few weeks with an MCL injury, Montgomery is ready to roll—and Campbell couldn’t be happier.
“He’s a tone-setter,” Campbell said. “There’ll be a place for him in this game. It’s good to get him back.”
Montgomery’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Detroit’s offense, led by Jared Goff and breakout star Amon-Ra St. Brown, has been lethal all season. Adding Montgomery’s bruising running style back into the mix gives the Lions another weapon for their playoff arsenal.
Keeping the Lions Grounded
Despite the sky-high stakes, Campbell is doing everything he can to keep his team level-headed. He’s been here before—Super Bowl runs, crushing losses—and he knows how easy it is to get caught up in the spectacle.
“The circus is here,” he said. “It’s time to perform.”
For Campbell, it’s all about controlling what you can control. Play the game in front of you. Ignore the noise. And for goodness’ sake, don’t start thinking about confetti showers and Lombardi Trophies just yet.
“You’ve got to win this game,” Campbell said. “That’s it. This week. This opponent. Nothing else matters.”
So while the rest of us might be dreaming of Super Bowl glory, Campbell and the Lions are laser-focused on Saturday. Because in the playoffs, every play matters. Every moment counts.
And Campbell knows better than anyone—you can’t win the big one if you’re not ready for the next one.
P.S. I once watched a Lions game with my uncle. He fell asleep during the third quarter, muttering something about Barry Sanders. I don’t know if this is relevant, but it feels appropriate.