Pride of Detroit
The Detroit Lions (6-3) dominated the Washington Commanders in Week 10, winning 44-22 after coach Dan Campbell’s decision to take over play-calling duties changed the dynamic of their offense.
“Let’s try something a little different,” Campbell said on Monday. “Look, I know what I want to do, I know how I want to do it. Now, that being said, this is a collaborative effort, now. I was taking input from (offensive coordinator) John Morton the whole time, and the other coaches. […] But I just wanted to change things up a little bit. Let’s just see if maybe a different play-caller can, maybe give us a little rhythm. That’s all. And, honestly, it’s nothing more than that.”
This decision by Campbell drove several NFL power rankings analysts’ decision-making this week, with some believing it’s a sign they’re preparing for a push toward the Super Bowl, while others are waiting to see how things play out over the next few weeks.
Let’s take a look at how things shook out in this week’s power rankings.
I think it was fair for Lions head coach Dan Campbell to take control of his offense due to hot-and-cold play from that unit over the past few weeks and a reported disconnect between players and new OC and play caller John Morton. We’ve grown accustomed to Detroit succeeding with a particular style, led by its rushing attack that sets up big passes off of play-action. And if that’s the way Campbell wants to keep things now that he’s the voice in Jared Goff’s headset, this move makes sense.
Still, I have a feeling that this offense has taken a step back in 2025 because regression is inevitable in this league, and the interior of Detroit’s offensive line is worse now than it was in years past. Maybe it’ll all work out, but I can’t use Sunday’s game against an awful Commanders defense as a signal in either direction.
Here’s a column on Dan Campbell taking over play calling duties for the Lions, and why it’s quite possibly the most Dan Campbell thing ever.
From Josh Kendall and Chad Graff:
Breakout player: Jack Campbell
The third-year linebacker is a tackling machine against the run (76 stops overall). That’s no surprise. His four sacks and four quarterback hits are, though. Considered a one-dimensional player when the Lions (supposedly) overdrafted him with the 18th pick in 2023, Campbell has proven to be anything but that. The other Campbell, head coach Dan, took over play-calling duties Sunday, which is worth monitoring.
From ESPN Staff, excerpt from Eric Woodyard:
Non-QB MVP: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown is a two-time first-team All-Pro who has proved to be one of the squad’s hardest workers, which has set the...
