Across each of the Detroit Lions’ three losses this year, Dan Campbell has pointed to some kind of communication breakdown — either between players themselves or between the roster and the coaching staff.

In their Week 6 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, Campbell noted there was confusion on the trick play that wiped out Jared Goff’s touchdown reception from David Montgomery, saying the coaches didn’t do a clear enough job explaining the assignment, and the players simply carried out what they thought was correct.

But the communication slip during Sunday’s 27-24 setback against the Minnesota Vikings looked similar to what happened in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers — a disconnect between Goff and the offensive line. Those mistakes in protection led to one of Detroit’s worst pass-blocking efforts of the season, with Minnesota bringing down Goff five times, hitting him 10 more, and recording 23 total pressures.

Now at 5-3 (1-2 in the division) with two critical matchups ahead — on the road against Washington and then at defending Super Bowl champ Philadelphia — Campbell outlined what must improve for things to change.

“I think we’ve just got to do a better job really hammering home the communication of how it’s supposed to be handled,” Campbell said. “We have to be certain we’re all aligned as coaches — and then the players are, too — and they’ve got to hold each other responsible as well.

“I know it sounds simple, but it really is. Everyone has to be in sync. And honestly, we’ve mostly been good, but it hurt us a few times yesterday.”

On top of the pass-protection issues, those same problems showed up in the run game. Detroit’s offensive line failed to open steady lanes, leaving Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery with just 20 combined carries for 65 yards — barely 3.3 yards per rush.

Adding to the irritation, the Lions’ offensive front — including tight ends Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright — was hit with several penalties for false starts, holding, and illegal shifts, wrapping up what Campbell labeled “a terrible day” in both execution and alignment.

Campbell acknowledged that communication wasn’t the only flaw, stressing the team must tighten up overall heading into the remainder of the season.

“You hit a rough stretch, and normally we fight through it,” Campbell said. “You hit a tough spot in a game — just like in a season — and you have to dig out. One mistake led into the next, and we began searching for plays that weren’t there. It just snowballed.”

He added that penalties and broken drives threw off the offense’s flow throughout the game.

“We never really found a rhythm, and when we did, a flag would set us back and force us into bad down-and-distance,” Campbell said. “Credit to them — they earned that win. We didn’t do nearly enough to earn it, but even then, we still had a shot.

“And honestly, take away just one of those major mistakes, and maybe it’s ugly, but you’re still leaving with a win. Any of them — special teams, the defense after the turnover, or the offense killing itself with a penalty in the red zone — it comes down to one play.”

Detroit’s communication trouble could get worse this week, with offensive lineman Christian Mahogany likely out and both Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker possibly missing time.

Campbell said he doesn’t expect either tackle to practice on Wednesday, meaning the Lions may once again shuffle the line heading into Sunday’s matchup with Washington.