The Detroit Lions have finally won a playoff game, their first in 32 years. In just a few season Dan Campbell has changed the entire culture of the team, going from one of the most embarrassing franchises in the NFL, to a real contender. It was fitting that their first playoff win should come against long time Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Lions gritted out a tough win against the Los Angeles Rams last night and they did it the exact way Campbell said they would in his opening press conference for the Lions. Campbell has done everything he said he would do with this team and they are one of the most physical teams in the league. Judging from the fans and celebrities that showed up to the game last night, Campbell has clearly won over the city of Detroit.
When Campbell stepped on the podium for his opening press conference with the team he created more doubters than before. But there are few doubters now, and Campbell has created the culture that he said he would of one that embodies the energy of the city itself. He famously ranted saying:
“We’re gonna kick you in the teeth, and when you punch us back we’re gonna smile at you, and when you knock us down we’re going to get up, and on the way, we’re going to bite a kneecap off. We’re going to stand up, and it’s going to take two more shots to knock us down. And on the way up, we’re going to take your other kneecap, and we’re going to get up, and it’s gonna take three shots to get us down. And when we do, we’re gonna take another hunk out of you.”
That is exactly what they did in this game and exactly what they did all season. When they lost to the Cowboys on an awful call, Campbell called it a blessing. That is the exact mindset of the team that they are comfortable taking hits and are ready to take a bite as they get hit.
Detroit Lions Dan Campbell Has His Team Taking Kneecaps
This Lions team has gotten better each year Campbell has been coaching and now finally the team has proven Campbell right. Their first playoff win in 32 years is just the beginning for this new Lions team that is taking kneecaps on their way to wins. Jared Goff played a great game for his former team and he is a quarterback that knows a thing or two about taking hits.
Goff was traded by the rams after making a Super Bowl and he is now of the leaders of this new culture in Detroit. A culture of grit, toughness, and physicality. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta have also been huge culture leaders even as young players.
LaPorta suffered a brutal injury the week before the playoffs but came back and played a great game against the Rams including a huge touchdown in the first half. Amon-Ra made the All Pro list but was left off the Pro Bowl. These are tough guys that are ready to take a hit right in the chin and then smile.
Campbell has filled this roster with players that love the message he is sending and that are ready to fight each game for that message. The Lions will now face the winner of the Eagles Vs. Buccaneers game and may very well end up in the NFC championship with a chance to go to the Super Bowl.