Lions coach Dan Campbell says he has a lot of receipts. He isn’t prepared to present them after the big triumph.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell challenges a call during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photos/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown leave the field following an NFL wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya.)
Detroit Lions fans applaud as their team defeats the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff game on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Detroit.
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson) Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton (1) deflects a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff game on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya.)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) goes off the field during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya.)
Detroit Lions defender C.J.
Gardner-Johnson (2) prevents Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) from grabbing the ball in the endzone during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff game on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photos/Duane Burleson)
Matthew Stafford, quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams, falls to the grass during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Detroit.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Detroit Lions supporters celebrate running back David Montgomery’s score during an NFL wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Detroit.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff passes during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photos/Duane Burleson)
Allen Park, Michigan (AP) Dan Campbell has receipts. He just isn’t ready to turn them in yet.The postseason coach stated, There will be a time and place for that, following his team’s playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Detroit, the NFC’s second seed, will host two playoff games in one postseason for the first time in franchise history, facing the winner of the Philadelphia-Tampa Bay game on Monday night.
Nearly three years ago, when the Lions handed Campbell his first chance as a full-time NFL head coach, some mocked him for saying his teams would kick opponents in the teeth and “bite a kneecap off.”
When Campbell followed up his three-win rookie season with a 1-6 record in 2022, he became the target of more jokes.Nobody is making fun of him anymore.He has helped turn around a struggling organization, one of four without a Super Bowl appearance.
The Lions won a division title, a home playoff game for the first time in three decades, and a playoff victory for only the second time since capturing the NFL championship in 1957.I realize it’s been a long time coming, and it felt nice to deliver it, but we’re not done,” Campbell stated.
WHAT WORKSJared Goff has emerged as the quarterback the team has been searching for since it was an NFL powerhouse in the 1950s.
Fans at Ford Field screamed, “Jar-ed Goff! Jar-ed Goff!” early and often, indicating that he was their favorite quarterback on the field, which he shared with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who begged Detroit to move him three years earlier.
Goff completed his first ten attempts, and the Lions led 21-10 midway through the second quarter after converting a fourth down with a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Sam LaPorta.
He went 22 of 27 for 277 yards, becoming the fifth player in NFL history to throw for at least 275 yards and complete at least 80% of his passes in the playoffs. Goff accomplished it against the franchise that traded him and two first-round picks for Stafford.
You’re good enough for Detroit, Jared Goff,” Campbell told him in the locker room following the victory.What Needs HelpIn the second quarter against the Rams, the Lions allowed touchdown throws of 50 and 38 yards.We can do better there, Campbell stated.Stock up.
Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator, and Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator, are both slated to conduct interviews with a few teams following practice on Friday and Saturday.
Those are worthy prospects, Campbell stated. “Both of them should be at the top of everyone’s list, but we’re in one of those rare years when there are so many job openings.
That’s also why everyone wants to speak with them, and they should. However, this puts them and us under stress. They’ll do their best with it, make the most of it, as they should, and then prepare for the next game.STOCK DOWN.
Defensive back Cam Sutton recorded only two tackles and was one of the secondary players that battled to slow down Stafford in the air.
INJURY REPORT
Campbell was unconcerned about linebacker Alex Anzalone’s shoulder injury from Sunday night. Kalif Raymond, a return specialist and receiver, was out against the Rams due to a knee injury suffered a week ago.
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