“I know the team doesn’t really care about national opinions, but there’ve been talks about coordinator changes, someone else brought up the pass rush, and you also mentioned the schedule. These are some of the reasons critics think the Lions might regress. You’ve likely heard all this—will the team use that criticism for motivation?”

Campbell replied, “I don’t think we’re at that stage yet. Look, we’ll gladly take anything—any bit of motivation helps. We welcome the excuses. We’ll turn that into fuel when the time comes. I’m not stressing over our pass rush. I’m not losing sleep over losing two coordinators. I’m not concerned about injuries.

The Hall of Fame Game? Not a worry. The schedule? I actually love it. I think the timing is spot on. It’s ideal for where we are as a franchise heading into 2025—my fifth year, and the fifth year for our core. I truly think this timing is exactly what we need.”

Let’s unpack that statement more, because it covers a lot in a short exchange.

Pass Rush

One issue is that NFL regulations restrict what teams can do during this part of the offseason—there are no pads, and linemen can’t go full contact. The Lions are known for their dominant offensive line, but since both the offensive and defensive fronts are limited to walkthroughs, it’s tough to get a true read on where they stand this early.

After the Lions lost a practice last year due to being overly physical, it makes sense that they’re more cautious this time around.

A bigger concern is that EDGE rusher Aidan Hutchinson is recovering from a significant injury, and the Lions didn’t bring in any marquee talent at that spot during free agency. Za’Darius Smith, last year’s top signing, is still available, though—so a reunion isn’t out of the question if the terms are right.

Even after Hutchinson’s injury—a broken leg against Dallas—the Lions’ defensive line held strong until late in the year. They didn’t rack up sacks like they might have with him, but the pressure was still noticeably better than in past seasons.

Coaching Turnover

All strong teams go through this. When you’re successful, other franchises want to hire your staff. The Lions were fortunate to retain their OC for three seasons and their DC for four.

That kind of consistency played a big role in the team’s dramatic improvement.

Now, both top coordinator spots have turned over. John Morton returns to Detroit as the new offensive coordinator, coming off a year with the Broncos and a résumé that includes OC experience at both the pro and college level.

Defensively, Kelvin Sheppard steps up as DC. He’s a Lions product through and through, having earned the promotion by completely revamping a linebacker unit once seen as one of the worst in the NFL.

So even though Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn have moved on to head coaching roles, there’s little reason to expect a major drop-off on either side of the ball.

Injuries

Last year’s defense was devastated by injuries—many of them season-ending or severely limiting. At one point, the team could’ve put together a top-10 defense from their injured reserve list alone.

The injuries ranged from typical football ailments (torn ligaments, fractures) to bizarre ones (yes—a broken jaw). But most players have had ample time to recover ahead of this season. One exception is DT Alim McNeill, who’s not expected back until around midseason.

That said, injuries are part of the game, and the Lions have built solid depth to weather such storms. Their practice squad is stacked with reliable talent. Don’t forget—they won a franchise-record 15 games last year despite all the injuries. This team will be ready.

Hall of Fame Game

Only two teams play four preseason games now, with the rest playing three. This year, the Lions and Chargers open things in Canton, which gives both clubs an extra tune-up game to consider.

Detroit already made adjustments, canceling their previously scheduled June minicamp. Given how last year’s extra physicality cost them a practice, the move shows smart planning. Despite that lost day, the team still delivered its best regular season ever. So there’s no real concern.

Schedule Outlook

As covered in more depth elsewhere, Detroit’s schedule is largely a byproduct of timing. Their opponents are based on this year’s NFC North matchups and three games earned by last year’s division title.

So while it may look daunting on paper, early schedule strength is often misleading. Teams rise and fall fast—there’s no telling which division may underperform.

Plus, the Lions do have real advantages. They’re near the top in rest days and rank among the lowest in travel mileage. Even if the schedule proves tough, those factors could help even things out.

At the end of the day, a team reflects its head coach—and Dan Campbell doesn’t shy away from challenges. In fact, it defines him. That grit has become the team’s entire identity.

“Detroit Vs. Everybody” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a mantra. From GM Brad Holmes to players battling for a practice squad spot, everyone buys into it. These challenges won’t be seen as setbacks—they’ll be seen as motivation, if they’re noticed at all.