Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hide his frustration with the team’s recent inability to generate explosive plays through the air.

Despite escaping with a narrow win over the struggling New York Giants on Sunday, the Lions walked away knowing the performance wasn’t close to where it needs to be. They’re well aware that if they hope to secure a playoff spot—let alone make any noise once they’re in—they must clean up several issues.

Much of the recent spotlight has been on Campbell himself after he assumed control of the offensive play-calling. Speaking about the team’s stagnant vertical passing game, he explained how Detroit might revive what used to be one of its offensive strengths.

Campbell noted, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic on X, that there’s a constant trade-off involved: if the offense avoids throwing downfield, defenses start to crowd shorter routes and make moving the ball harder. On the other hand, deeper attempts often require the quarterback to hold onto the ball longer, which brings its own risks. He emphasized that finding the right mix between aggression and caution is essential.