Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has not only led his team to an electrifying overtime victory in their 2024 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams but has also found himself immortalized in an unexpected arena – a corn maze!
Campbell has infused the Lions with a renewed grit and determination, as evidenced by their impressive 26-20 win against the Rams. Campbell's strategic mindset and ability to steer his team through tumultuous times were key to this hard-fought victory. Post-game, Campbell reflected on the all-important element of reducing mistakes. He stated, "The team that makes the most mistakes is the one who usually loses these early games. And we made one less mistake" (Sports Illustrated).
Though Detroit opened with a less-than-stellar performance, crucial plays and decisions—especially from the likes of David Montgomery—highlighted Campbell’s tactical prowess. Montgomery, who was the running workhorse in overtime, carried the ball five times for 45 yards including a game-winning 1-yard touchdown. Campbell remarked, “You could just sense that No. 5 (Montgomery) was ready to take over the game and we were going to be able to break through” (WTOP). This insightful decision-making underscores Campbell’s flair for identifying and leveraging his players’ strengths in high-pressure situations.
One of the game’s standout moments came from third-year wide receiver Jameson Williams, who had a career-best performance. He recorded five receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown. Campbell praised Williams, noting, "He showed up…and the best part of it, he didn’t even play his best ball". Williams, who has struggled with injuries and suspensions in previous seasons, appears to be turning a corner under Campbell's guidance (Sporting News).
It wasn't a flawless victory by any means. The Lions lost a two-touchdown lead only to stage a spirited comeback, propelled by strategic running plays and a key penalty on the Rams. Campbell admitted the game was far from perfect, but celebrated the win: “We’ll get in a better flow on both sides of the ball, we will. But at the end of the day, our defense held these guys to less points than our offense, and our offense scored more points than their offense did. And so, we found a way to win
What other sites are saying about this topic
What Dan Campbell said about the Detroit Lions victory: 'We found a way to win' from FOX 2 Detroit
Dan Campbell happy to sacrifice a night's sleep for Lions overtime win over Rams from WTOP
Lions, Coach Campbell featured in soon-to-open corn maze near Webberville from Lansing State Journal
Dan Campbell: We Made One Less Mistake from Sports Illustrated
How Dan Campbell decided to lean on David Montgomery in Detroit Lions Week 1 win vs. Rams from Detroit Free Press