The Detroit Lions’ coaching staff had a lot of things to think about as they were coming off of their disastrous start. This Thursday, the Lions made one huge decision that may pay big dividends for them in the future.
The “Detroit Lions head coach” is a decision that the Detroit Lions have made. The decision was made after their 0-8-1 start to the season. Read more in detail here: detroit lions head coach.
Simply said, the Detroit Lions are a lousy team. This team may not score any points if D’Andre Swift isn’t available. Jared Goff has been a failure, the wide receiver room is full of subpar guys, and this squad might not score any points if D’Andre Swift isn’t available. T.J. Hockenson is there, although Goff seems to be unaware of this. Nonetheless, Dan Campbell’s head coaching tenure has had a rough start, with the Lions “improving” to 0-8-1 following a weird draw with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s been a difficult road so far, but the Lions have made a decision that should help them turn things around and establish that Campbell is the proper man for the job.
While a draw isn’t the same as a defeat, it’s also not the outcome Dan Campbell and the Lions were looking for.
The Lions are technically unbeaten in November – they haven’t dropped a game! In all honesty, this tie was a dreadful match for both teams. Mason Rudolph was unimpressive at best for the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger out due to COVID-19.
T.J. Watt was also injured, and Chase Claypool was unable to play, thus this Pittsburgh squad was drastically different from the one that had played the week before. Regardless, the Lions had a good chance of winning this game.
With a Chris Boswell field goal early in the fourth quarter, the Steelers knotted the game. We had no idea that they would be the game’s last points.
Overtime was a complete disaster. With 15 seconds left, Diontae Johnson fumbled, Ryan Santoso missed a field goal for Detroit, and Pat Freiermuth coughed up the ball in Detroit territory, tying the game. You can’t make something like this up.
Under Dan Campbell, the Lions undertake a major coaching change in the hopes of reigniting the offense.
Dan Campbell’s decision to take over play calling responsibilities today still astounds me.
I understand attempting something new, but he’s the man that preaches encircling yourself with clever people and allowing them to do their jobs.
What does this tell about Lynn’s character?
November 15, 2021 — Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion)
Campbell took over play-calling responsibilities from offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn during Sunday’s draw with the Steelers.
After the Steelers game, Campbell downplayed the move, insisting that it wasn’t a personal attack on Lynn, but rather an attempt to connect directly with Goff (h/t Justin Rogers of The Detroit News).
“To tell you the truth, I don’t believe it’s a big problem.” When he called, I was still handing over items to A-Lynn. It was only recently that I gave Goff the green dot (a headset with a direct connection to the quarterback) so that I could speak with him. I’ll still take some of their (play) calls. I’ll make my own phone calls. All of those players put in a team effort.”
Dan Campbell discusses his choice to take over as play-caller.
Campbell may certainly state that it isn’t a major issue. However, the reality is that it is a significant issue. Campbell would not be need to go in if Lynn was running the offense well. Furthermore, there may have been a strong indication during pregame that this alteration was on the way.
Dan Campbell is out early today, putting the Lions’ wireless headphones through their paces. They had some problems in Los Angeles, but I don’t remember Campbell doing anything like this before any other away game. This may be a clue that he’ll be calling a lot more straightforward plays on offense today. pic.twitter.com/ABCYSXQr53
November 14, 2021 — Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL)
The Lions’ offense, after all, has been abysmal. They are 31st in 3rd down efficiency, 24th in time of possession, 24th in throw yards, 23rd in total yards per game, and 29th in scoring (16.7).
None of those figures are encouraging, and this offense would be considerably worse if it weren’t for Swift’s excellent ability to run the ball.
Something needs to change, and maybe Campbell directing the offense can provide the squad with the much-needed rebirth. Otherwise, a record of 0-16-1 is a distinct possibility. For the Lions as a whole, this season has been a disappointment.
It’s a real likelihood that the team may go winless this season.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff speaks with head coach Dan Campbell | Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Unfortunately, this club has a good chance of finishing winless.
Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos are the teams to watch during the next four weeks. Are any of the Lions’ games going to be easy?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
After that, they play the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers to round off the season. Yikes.
With Goff’s questionable performance, not to mention the ailment he is now battling with, the Lions’ chances are looking bleak. The Steelers game was their greatest chance to win, and they squandered it again and time again in Pittsburgh.
Will Campbell win for the first time this season? He may not, but at the very least, he’s seizing control of the offense and demonstrating his determination to escape a winless debut season as head coach.
Is Campbell a better candidate for calling plays than Lynn? Who knows, but it’s certainly worth a try. After all, the Lions have nothing to lose.
Pro Football Reference provided the statistics.
RELATED: The Detroit Lions’ Disastrous Season Start in 2021 Will Be Forgotten at All Costs
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