The Detroit Lions’ hopes for a postseason return ended on Christmas Day with a 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on the road.

This defeat officially knocks them out of playoff contention for the first time since 2022, leaving the team to regroup for next season. With this result, the Lions drop to an 8-8 record and have now lost three consecutive games.

Despite having a roster full of talent, Detroit has struggled, and questions are being raised about the team’s coaching. Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is thriving in his first year as Chicago Bears head coach, leading his team to the playoffs and first place in the NFC North, highlighting the difference leadership can make.

Jason Kandel of SideLion Report points to head coach Dan Campbell as a central figure needing accountability. After Johnson’s departure to Chicago, Campbell brought in John Morton as offensive coordinator but then took over play-calling duties himself in early November.

Initially, this move seemed to work, such as in the 44-22 win against the Washington Commanders, though that game came against a weakened roster. Since then, however, the offense has struggled, particularly relying too heavily on the running and play-action game, which opponents like Brian Flores’ Vikings have been able to stop effectively.

Before the loss, Detroit’s offense ranked third in the NFL in total and passing yards per game, and quarterback Jared Goff had topped 4,000 passing yards again.

But against Minnesota, he was limited to just 197 passing yards, with the offense unable to lean on the running game. Kandel emphasizes that while Goff has faced criticism, the team’s talent should generally compensate for his shortcomings. The poor play-calling under Campbell has exposed these weaknesses.

After the game, Campbell addressed the media regarding the team’s next steps. “I expect everybody to be ready to go when we get back in a couple of days, be locked in and be ready when we get on a plane to go to Chicago, to be locked in one more time,” he said. He continued, “Brad and I will have a lot of decisions to make, a lot to review, the whys, the hows of improving. We need to improve.”