Detroit Lions stay focused as competition heats up in the NFC.

A Surprising Twist in the NFC Race

Sunday turned out to be a pivotal day for the Detroit Lions. Not only did they secure a commanding 34-17 victory over the Chicago Bears for the second time this season, but an unexpected upset in the NFC standings also worked in their favor. The Philadelphia Eagles, one of the Lions’ top competitors for the No. 1 seed in the conference, were defeated by the Washington Commanders.

The loss by the Eagles added intrigue to the Lions’ playoff push, and head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hide his amusement when informed about the surprising result after the game.

Dan Campbell Reacts to Eagles’ Loss

During his postgame press conference on December 22, Campbell was told that the Eagles had lost to Washington. His response? A mix of humor and genuine interest.

“Oh, they did? How much time is left? Why don’t we just sit here and wait for this,” Campbell joked with a big smile, eliciting laughter from those in the room.

While Campbell’s reaction was lighthearted, the news undoubtedly underscored the Lions’ position as a serious contender in the NFC race.

Staying Focused Amid Opportunity

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta also shared his perspective on the Eagles’ loss, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus.

“We’re looking to execute and take care of the games ourselves,” LaPorta said. “If other people are helping us, all the power to them. But we’re looking to win these next two games and secure that one seed without all the other stuff, but I guess it’s good that Washington won, since you’re telling me.”

LaPorta’s comments reflected the Lions’ approach—controlling their own destiny while staying mindful of the competitive landscape.

Campbell on the Emotional Highs and Lows of the Playoff Chase

When asked about chasing the top seed in the NFC, Campbell acknowledged the emotional toll of staying competitive week after week.

“I don’t know if I can tap into that like the players could right now, because I’m just trying to recover from this game. I get pretty emotionally drained after these,” Campbell admitted.

Despite the challenges, Campbell embraced the moment, highlighting the thrill of competing at the highest level.

“This is why you want to coach and play in this league. This is when your eyes get opened, when competition is at its highest, people are breathing down your neck or you’re chasing somebody, and you’re at the top,” he explained.

For Campbell, the pressure of the playoff hunt is as much a motivator as it is a challenge. “This is the drug. This is what you live for. Some can’t handle this. It’s too much for them. But not our group. This is the good stuff, man, and we’re in the middle of it right now.”

Praise for Jhamyr Gibbs

During the same press conference, Campbell also took a moment to praise running back Jhamyr Gibbs, who stepped up as the team’s lead rusher.

“We always knew. We always knew he could do it, and obviously it showed today. I thought he ran great,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff added.

The Lions’ Path Forward

While the Eagles’ loss gave Detroit an unexpected advantage, the Lions remain focused on their own path. With two games left in the regular season, they aim to finish strong and secure the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC.

For now, Dan Campbell’s reaction serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and thrilling the NFL can be, especially when the stakes are at their highest.