Detroit’Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn’t fooling himself about what lies ahead.

Next Sunday’s matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles looms as one of the toughest challenges on the Lions’ schedule — and Campbell knows his team will need to perform at its highest level to compete.“We’ve got our hands full,” Campbell admitted Monday. “To beat a team like Philly, we’ll have to execute in all three phases — offense, defense, and special teams — or it won’t be enough.”

Detroit’s 44–22 win over Washington on Sunday offered some much-needed momentum. The Lions (6–3) rebounded from a disappointing home loss to Minnesota by handling a Commanders team that had knocked them out of last year’s postseason.

A key storyline from the victory was Campbell’s decision to take over play-calling from offensive coordinator John Morton. The move paid off immediately: the Lions scored on their first eight drives, didn’t punt once, gave up zero sacks, and rolled up 546 yards of offense.

Although Campbell hasn’t decided whether the switch will be permanent, he confirmed he’ll call plays again this week against Philadelphia.

One major benefit of calling plays himself, he said, was having direct input from the entire offensive staff.

“Johnny gives me great insight into our tendencies,” Campbell said. “Hank Fraley, Scottie Montgomery, David Shaw — all those guys are feeding me information. It’s a total team effort.”

For one afternoon, everything clicked. Detroit built early leads of 14–3 and 25–10, and the offense looked as sharp as it has all season.

Quarterback Jared Goff finished 25-for-33 with 320 yards, three touchdowns, and no turnovers. Jahmyr Gibbs added 172 total yards and three scores on 18 touches, while Jameson Williams caught six passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.

“The offensive line deserves a ton of credit,” Campbell said. “They were dominant — no sacks, great protection, and they were blocking downfield for each other. You could tell the guys were playing for one another.”

That selfless attitude will be crucial when Detroit faces an Eagles defense that ranks among the NFL’s best. Philadelphia already has wins over Minnesota and Kansas City — two teams that have beaten Detroit — and entered Monday night’s matchup with Green Bay on a roll.

“We’ve got a vision for how we want this game to look,” Campbell said. “We’re going to lean on the offensive line, get Goff in rhythm, and find ways to get St. Brown and Gibbs involved. Once they get rolling, I just need to get out of the way.”

What’s Working

Morton’s offense wasn’t ineffective — the Lions averaged over 40 points during a recent four-game win streak — but the unit seemed more fluid with Campbell calling plays. Williams’ increased involvement stretched defenses vertically, while Gibbs’ usage in space gave the attack more versatility. With those two producing, Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, and Sam LaPorta benefited from extra room to operate.

What’s Not

Special teams remain a concern. Jake Bates had another kick blocked — his second in as many weeks — and Detroit’s kick coverage unit again allowed big returns.

Stock Up

Jameson Williams recorded his best outing since a 143-yard performance against Chicago last December. His six receptions tied a season high and his 119 yards led the team.

Stock Down

Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin struggled after replacing Terrion Arnold, surrendering a 37-yard completion to Treylon Burks. Safety Brian Branch was also beaten deep by Jaylin Lane for 41 yards.

Injury Watch

Arnold remains in the concussion protocol, and Campbell isn’t sure he’ll clear it in time for the Eagles game. That’s concerning for a secondary already short-handed as it prepares to face Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia’s explosive offense.

Key Stat

41 — the average points the Eagles have scored in their last two meetings with Detroit. Philadelphia won 38–35 at Ford Field in 2022 and 44–6 in 2021, rushing for an average of 226 yards across those two games.

With an extra day of rest and preparation — thanks to the Eagles’ Monday night game — the Lions hope to use their additional time to their advantage in one of the season’s biggest tests.