Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell tried every approach during press conferences, but none of it worked.
He tried being jovial by sharing his favorite coffee and demanding that they bite off knee caps.
He also cried after another disappointing loss to show empathy with his players.
But Campbell is fed up with losing as they remain the only winless team in the league.
This time, he called out his roster for their lack of effort against the Cincinnati Bengals, particularly quarterback Jared Goff.
Campbell said that Goff must help the team by stepping up and putting more weight upon his shoulders.
Only a fool wouldn’t understand that Campbell’s statement directly challenges his quarterback, who finished with 202 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception against the Bengals.
Goff completed 28 of 42 passes versus Cincinnati for a 67.8 quarterback rating.
While Campbell lit a fire under Goff’s seat with his statement, it might not have an effect coming into Week 7.
Unfortunately, Goff and the Lions will face his former team with virtually no weaknesses on both sides of the ball.
Therefore, Detroit’s theme song against the Los Angeles Rams may be “The Impossible Dream.”
A David And Goliath-Like Matchup
Comparing the two quarterbacks alone, Matthew Stafford is having a better season than Goff by miles.
Through six games, Goff ranks 17th in passing yards (1,505), 14th in completion percentage (66.8), and 20th in touchdowns with seven.
However, his ranking drops to 23rd in passer rating (86.9) and 31st in yards per completion (6.3).
In comparison, Stafford is fourth (1,838), seventh (69.5), third (16), second (116.6), and second (9.2) in those categories, respectively.
More importantly, Stafford is more confident in making tight throws.
The gap widens at the skill positions, especially at wide receiver.
Quintez Cephus, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Kalif Raymond are no match to Van Jefferson, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp.
The Lions have an advantage at tight end with T.J. Hockenson, but that’s a mismatch the Rams are willing to give.
In terms of defense, the Rams have one of the best units in the NFL.
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald leads the charge of a defensive unit that allows 21.2 points per game.
In contrast, the Lions rank 28th in points allowed with 28.7 per game.
Can Goff Lead Them To Victory?
The Lions’ only chance is to shorten the game for the Rams.
Therefore, Goff must establish the run game first and consume as much game clock as possible.
Goff can utilize some play-action to find his receivers once the Rams focus on stopping D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams.
Defeating the Rams would bring a massive boost of confidence to Goff and the Lions.
Aside from beating his former team, Detroit could scratch the win column against a legitimate contender.
However, there’s nothing wrong with wishful thinking because anything conceivable is achievable.
But in this case, a Lions victory over the Rams is more fiction than fact.
Campbell’s decorum in front of media personnel after another huge loss will be interesting.
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