Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson.
Getty
The Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson rivalry might get hotter soon with a Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears swap.
The Detroit Lions have a heated rivalry with anyone in the NFC North, but it’s special between the Lions and Chicago Bears. For one, they’re obviously the closest team to the Lions, physically, in the NFC North, but the Lions and Bears are also against each other because former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson heads up Chicago.
So, Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Johnson have a friendly, or not-so friendly, rivalry going on, and it may get bigger if they keep swapping players. Now, one former Bears player has emerged as a possible new addition for the Lions, which could give Detroit some inside information on Johnson’s new coaching tactics.
Detroit Lions Urged to Snag Former Chicago Bears Player
In a Thursday, March 19, feature for SideLion Report, Jaleel Grandberry makes the case that the Detroit Lions should consider bringing on a former Bears player in the edge role. Lord knows the Lions need more help in the pass rusher position, outside of Aidan Hutchinson, so this reporter is all ears on this suggestion.
Veteran edge defender Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is now available, after the Bears let him walk in free agency. He’s played with a bevy of teams, starting out as a 2021 first-round pick from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With the Bucs, he started in six of the 17 games he played in as a rookie and recorded four sacks as a rookie, according to NFL research. From there, he went to the Cleveland Browns and then the Bears.
“While he isn’t a signing that will move the needle, Tryon-Shoyinka will only turn 27 in April, and he has flashed the ability to be productive in this league,” Grandberry says in the feature.
“The Lions don’t have to sign him with the expectation that he’ll be a key member of the defense, but considering the unit’s lack of depth at the edge position, it’s worth seeing what Tryon-Shoyinka can add to unit,” he adds. “he Lions recently added veteran edge defender D.J. Wonnum, but there is still room for Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as well.”
Dan Campbell Has Faith in the Detroit Lions
Following the Lions’ last regular game of the season, where they beat the Bears, Campbell said that he believed in this team.
“I believe that things happen for a reason, right wrong or indifferent,” Campbell told reporters after the team’s final game of the regular season on January 4. “And just when something like this happens, I believe it’s going to be for the best. It’s up to Brad and I to make it for the best and the guys that we know we’re going to count on on this team. So that’s how I view it.”
In super early nfl
So, Detroit can improve and once again be a Super Bowl contender. But, they have to be smart and act wisely.