Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell’s latest fiery speech is sure to have fans in Motor City fired up and dreaming of a Super Bowl run.
Following the Lions’ 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Campbell joined Detroit’s 97.1 The Ticket for a passionate radio appearance, delivering a no-holds-barred rant about how his team plans to face adversity down the final stretch of the season.
“What happens is, you get used to eating filet… but you forgot what it was like when you had nothing and you ate your f—ing molded bread, you know?” Campbell said. “And it was just fine, and it gave you everything you needed. Sometimes, you have to get punched in the mouth and remember what it used to be like to really appreciate where you are.
“We got a bad taste in our mouths, we got kicked around the other day, we lost a few guys, and you know what? It’s exactly what we needed.”
The Lions received more tough news after Week 15, with two additional defensive players ruled out due to injury. Adding to their woes, star running back David Montgomery is sidelined for the season with an MCL injury. Entering Sunday’s game, Detroit already had 13 players on injured reserve, with the majority of those being defensive contributors.
The team’s defensive struggles were evident in the loss to Buffalo, their first defeat since Week 2. The Bills racked up 559 yards of total offense and 48 points, exposing a Lions defense stretched thin by injuries. Up until then, Detroit had managed to stay afloat and string together wins behind a high-powered offense, but their depth on defense will continue to face challenges as the season winds down.
Despite mounting concerns, Campbell remained defiant, brushing off doubts about whether injuries could derail Detroit’s once-dominant season.
“We will play the game any way needed to win,” Campbell said. “We’ve still got a good offense, we’ve got plenty of defensive players—I can name them right now. We’re going to put the best 11 on the field, cut it loose, and play with our special teams.
“If we give up 700 yards and win by one point, you’re going to see a f—ing smile from ear to ear, I can promise you.”
