Campbell began by praising the Rams as “a really good team,” highlighting their coaching, discipline, and overall roster depth.

He pointed out that this season, the Rams have shifted their offensive personnel usage: more often running “under-center” formations with heavier personnel (13 personnel), rather than traditional light, spread 11-personnel sets.

That shift — more emphasis on the run game — has a dual effect: it keeps defenders honest about stopping the run, and it gives the Rams’ receivers occasional “breaks.” When the run threat is real, defenses must respect it, which can open up more favorable matchups for receivers when the formation shifts back to a passing set.

On top of that, Campbell emphasized how dangerous Stafford is as a quarterback — particularly when it comes to manipulating safeties and coverage with his eyes. He warned that the defense must avoid simply “sitting” and instead play disciplined, reactive coverage.

Defending against that kind of quarterback — and against a roster where the running game and the passing game complement each other — requires more than just textbook coverage: Campbell said it will take disruption up front, pressure on the quarterback, and a focus on creating takeaways

With the Lions preparing to face the Rams on the road, Campbell acknowledged this will be “a big challenge at their place.”
Given the Rams’ mix of personnel usage, dynamic offense, and Stafford’s veteran savvy, Detroit must bring its A-game defensively: discipline, attention to detail, and aggressive front-seven play that can disrupt timing, avoid being fooled by play-action or run-pass shifts, and limit receiver production.

Campbell’s remarks reflect a deep respect for how the Rams build and use their offense — and a clear understanding that this won’t be a “routine win.” For Detroit’s defense, containing the Rams’ receivers and keeping Stafford from exploiting safety manipulation will be one of the key determinants of the game’s outcome.