Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is ready to show that his team can make another leap this season. After ending the 2022 season as one of the hottest teams in the NFL, the Lions have tweaked their roster to make them even better. The secondary has been remade and they drafted Jahmyr Gibbs who they have high expectations for. With Aaron Rodgers gone from the division, the Lions are getting some preseason hype. Campbell warned the team about getting too wrapped up in the hype.
Detroit Lions Coach Dan Campbell On Preseason Hype
Campbell is happy that the team has high expectations around them but cautioned the team on buying too much into the hype.
“I think as always, the thing that’s gonna worry you is the hype train. I mean, as with most coaches, this thing is just taking off and it’s out of control right now and that’s fine, as long as we stay focused on the job at hand and the work. I just keep going back to that. We’ve got to put the work in and earn it.”
He wants the team to earn it. Campbell also wants the Lions to keep that underdog mentality as that clearly helped them last season. The Lions have never won the NFC North ever. Their last division title was in 1993 when the division was called the NFC Central. The team is hoping they can start a new era of winning in Detroit.
Possible Hiccups In Winning The Division?
The wide receiver position is a little concerning. Jameson Williams is suspended for the first six games and then has to be integrated back into the offense. Amon-Ra St. Brown is still there and should provide Jared Goff with a reliable target but a team needs more than just one. How improved the defense is also a potential hiccup. While there is no question the pieces are better, good pieces do not always equal a good defense. If the defense struggles, it could lead to some problems.
Ultimately the Detroit Lions should be set up for a successful season. While I have pointed out some potential pitfalls, this team is talented enough to win the division. Dan Campbell has shown he can string together some wins. Now he needs to show he can lead the team to the playoffs.