Dan Campbell resembled a genius play-caller one week and a reckless, ineffective one the next.
The Detroit Lions coach didn’t lose his mind in a few short days. The delta was merely a product of offensive line play.
The Lions are in a rush to straighten out their issues with a rare breather on their schedule: a home matchup against the 2-9 New York Giants, who will carry a five-game losing streak into Sunday’s contest.
Detroit rolled up 546 total yards in a 44-22 victory over Washington with Campbell taking over playcalling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton. Facing defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia on Sunday night, the Lions offense ground to a halt. They went 3 for 13 on third down and 0 for 5 on fourth downs in a 16-9 loss.
The duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for just 66 rushing yards, while quarterback Jared Goff was under constant pressure and completed just 37.8% of his attempts.
Several offensive line regulars are trying to play through injuries. Both offensive tackles, Taylor Decker (shoulder) and Penei Sewell (ankle), were listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report, as were center Graham Glasgow (knee) and guard Tate Ratledge (knee). Detroit’s secondary will be missing two starters: cornerback Terrion Arnold (concussion) and safety Kerby Joseph (knee).
Campbell’s message to the team: We’re good, just worry about the next opponent.
“We go back to work, we clean up the little things, we adjust, we adapt, we move on and let’s find a way to get a ‘W’,” he said.
Detroit (6-4) trails both Chicago and Green Bay in the NFC North standings and faces the Packers in their annual Thanksgiving Day game. It can’t afford to squander an opportunity against a floundering opponent this weekend.
“We’ve got to get another win. And we’ve got to get back on our feet, we’ve got to play better ball in all three units,” Campbell said. “And so really, that is the focus, New York Giants. Don’t worry about anything else — don’t worry about what’s out there, don’t worry about the NFC, NFC North, don’t worry about the rankings or this, that. That doesn’t matter. We have to win.”
The Giants won’t have their standout rookie quarterback back in time for Sunday. Jaxson Dart missed their 27-20 loss to Green Bay last weekend and returned to practice on a limited basis this week, but was ruled out Friday.
Jameis Winston will make his second straight start. He completed 19 of 29 passes for 201 yards with an interception against the Packers in his season and team debut.
Like the journeyman Winston, Kafka was thrust into a different role, when Brian Daboll was fired on Nov. 10 and he was promoted from offensive coordinator. He’ll get his second opportunity at his first head coaching victory.
“The biggest change, I’d say, is just you’re open lines of communication with more of the players,” he said. “You’re exposed to them a little bit more often. The defensive side, the special teams unit, and then the coordinators and coaches, you’re talking with them a lot more.”
The Giants will be without three other players: linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder), cornerback Paulson Adebo (knee) and tight end Thomas Fidone II (foot). The team ruled running back Eric Gray (knee), corner Deonte Banks (hip) and safety Tyler Nubin (neck) questionable.
Also questionable for Detroit: cornerbacks Khalil Dorsey (wrist) and D.J. Reed (hamstring), receiver Isaac TeSlaa (oblique) and running back Sione Vaki (ankle).
–Field Level Media
