The Detroit Lions are coming off a humbling 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, and fans haven’t been shy about voicing their frustrations. From the lack of pass rush to offensive miscues under new coordinator John Morton, criticism has been flying. But head coach Dan Campbell isn’t surprised by the negativity.
When asked Wednesday if he was caught off guard by the reaction, Campbell explained it as a sign of progress:
“No, because that’s where the standards are at now,” Campbell said via the Detroit Free Press. “That means we’ve risen above what we were at one time.”
Detroit Lions Fans snubbed Dan Campbell Detroit Lions standards
Why Campbell’s Words Matter
Just a few years ago, Detroit was clawing its way out of the NFL’s basement. Now, after a 15-2 season in 2024 and back-to-back NFC North titles, the bar has been raised. Lions fans expect more, and Campbell welcomes that.
It echoes what players like Aidan Hutchinson and Alex Anzalone have said this week: that this team thrives when people doubt them. Hutchinson reminded everyone, “We have a good history of responding… when everyone doesn’t believe in us anymore, that’s where we thrive.”
The Bigger Picture
Yes, Week 1 was ugly. Jared Goff and the offense couldn’t punch it in at the goal line. The defense gave Jordan Love all the time he needed. And rookie Isaac TeSlaa’s one-handed touchdown grab came far too late.
But Campbell’s message is clear, the Lions are no longer being graded on effort, they’re being graded on results. And that’s the sign of a team that’s shed its old identity.
As Campbell put it: the negativity isn’t a burden, it’s proof the Lions have “risen above” their past.