Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is determined to move past the team’s recent contentious loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 of the NFL season.
Despite the controversy surrounding a pivotal game moment, Campbell is channeling his energy into the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings, a crucial match that could mark the Lions’ second 12-win season in their history.
“I’m absolutely ready to go. I don’t go the other way. And the team won’t either. We’re on a mission, and we’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves and wallow in everything,” Campbell said. “We had plays to make, and we didn’t make them. It’s a tight game, a good opponent, playoff-type atmosphere, and you’ve got to make that extra play that we didn’t.”
Campbell expressed his readiness to tackle the challenges ahead, emphasizing that the team won’t dwell on the past. He acknowledged missed opportunities in the tight game against the Cowboys but used the experience as motivation. “I’ve got pure octane right now,” Campbell stated, highlighting his focused mindset.
“We will use this as fuel. I’ve got pure octane right now,” Campbell said. “I woke up, I’m ready. So, we’re moving forward.”
The Lions’ loss to the Cowboys has been widely discussed, especially after a potentially game-winning 2-point conversion was nullified due to an illegal touching penalty. The incident reminded many of the Lions’ 2014 playoff game against Dallas, which also involved a controversial referee decision.
Campbell, however, is keen on not letting these past events affect the team’s spirit. He’s entrusted Lions president and CEO Rod Wood to address any legal concerns with the NFL, maintaining his focus on the field. Quarterback Jared Goff commented on the situation, acknowledging the error but recognizing it as part of the game.
Addressing the Lions’ fan base, Campbell urged them not to succumb to conspiracy theories about NFL biases. Drawing from his experience with the New Orleans Saints, he encouraged fans to look forward and focus on the team’s potential in the upcoming playoffs. “We’re just getting started,” Campbell affirmed.
“Don’t buy into that. Don’t live in that world, man. That will just pull you down. And if it makes you feel any better, the NFL is against every team, all right. Because look, I was in New Orleans, so I know what that feels like,” Campbell said. “And, but you know what? We walked away. Even in that game, we had chances to win before all that happened, but that one ended it. That was it, man. We walked away, packed our bags, and left.”
“This one, we got a taste of what that’s like, but we’ve still got a chance. We haven’t even started the tournament. So, I think it’s a blessing. And I would tell fans, ‘Don’t do it. Don’t even believe that.’ We’re just getting started.”
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