Dan Campbell on Kerby Joseph Tackle: 'We're Not Dirty'

Campbell defended his second-year safety.

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph was the target of scrutiny after he delivered a low hit that injured Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee on Sunday. 

On a throw over the middle of the field, Joseph's hit upended the Rams pass-catcher. After the injury occurred, the Lions' second-year safety was deemed a dirty player by some. 

However, Lions coach Dan Campbell disputed that notion Wednesday by explaining the rationale behind the Illinois product's decision to tackle Higbee. 

“That’s how we play football here. Just keep your head up, see what you hit. That’ll always be what I tell Kerby," Campbell explained. "Just keep your eyes up, so you don’t hit on the crown of your helmet. You hit a spine, you mess yourself up there. Just see what you hit. But, no, he was going for the thigh board, staying away from the head. That’s how we play defense here. We're not dirty, just, we hit.”

Respect for Baker Mayfield

The Lions know what's at stake in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

With a win, they would advance to the NFC Championship Game, plus be just one win away from a Super Bowl appearance. However, Campbell isn't letting the focus of the team stray away from the next opponent. 

There is a challenging element to this upcoming matchup, as these two teams met early in the season. That Week 6 showdown was won by the Lions, 20-6, in a game that was much closer than the two-score separation shows. 

Campbell is well aware of the difficulties posed by Tampa Bay, particularly with the amount of talent on its defense, with players like Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. 

Additionally, the Lions will have to account for veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield. Previously cast aside by the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers, Mayfield has enjoyed a resurgence that led him to a playoff victory with the Buccaneers last week. 

“Look, with the way he’s playing right now, he’s an issue. He gets rid of the ball fast, he’s accurate with it," Campbell explained. "If you don’t push the pocket, he can make those throws, and he’s got receivers that can make plays on the ball, in the air and run after catch. Look, I’ve always been a Baker fan from afar, I loved him when he was coming out.” 

Campbell explained that he had encountered Mayfield while working out Oklahoma tight end Mark Andrews during the pre-draft process when both were prospects. In addition to private workouts Mayfield already had, he spent time throwing to each of the Sooners' draft prospects during that session.

"That just says a lot about the guy," Campbell said. "There's no wonder people rally around him and follow him, because he's that type of teammate. There's a lot of guys that wouldn't do that."

Notes

1.) Campbell provided an encouraging update on punt returner Kalif Raymond, who missed Sunday's game against the Rams with a knee injury. 

“He’s better. He’s better," Campbell explained. "This is gonna be one of those that comes down to probably Friday or Saturday before we know for sure. He's improved a ton." 

2.) The Lions must soon make a decision on the status of outside linebacker James Houston. Returning to practice Dec. 28, Houston's 21-day evaluation clock is set to expire soon.