How Chaos Can Aid Detroit Lions

Why Dan Campbell is embracing the stress of late-game situations.

Dan Campbell knows that late-game situations can make or break a team's success. 

Detroit's third-year coach has seen the highs and lows of the game, pulling off wins and suffering losses in the late stages. In pivotal moments, he took his lumps early in his career, before stepping up his game late in the 2022 season. 

Heading into his third season, he's placed an emphasis on situational work early in the offseason. The Lions are drilling the pivotal moments that decide games throughout OTAs and minicamp. 

For Campbell, it's all about embracing the chaos and preparing his coaching staff for the game's biggest situations. 

"We've always done a lot of situational work. But, to me, we're doubling down on it. Like I want a lot more, to where I'm forcing the coordinators to have to think on their feet," Campbell explained. "It's a little more chaotic, sporadic, I mean, we're doing it right now. Just trying to put everybody under a high level of stress, because I think that's good for the coordinators and the players. That's kind of where my approach has shifted a little bit, a lot more into that. I think the more we can handle under pressure and under fire and be able to adapt, adjust. The picture changes, I can adapt quickly. I think that's where games are won and lost, if you've got the right guys." 

In past years, the coaches have been focused on establishing their vision and improving. Now, the team is emphasizing being able to adjust on the fly and succeed in critical situations. 

"To me, my whole focus is on how do we get better," the third-year head coach said. "How do we get better than we were last year? How do we become a better team than we were last year? That will always be the focus." 

Notes

Rookie quarterback Hendon Hooker threw routes after practice Tuesday. This was a significant step in his rehab process, as he works to be cleared for training camp. 

The Tennessee product has yet to participate in the team's offseason workout program, but has made a strong first impression on his teammates and coaches. 

Among those impressed with his performance in the meeting room is starting quarterback Jared Goff. 

"He's a great kid, and is learning quickly," Goff said Tuesday. "And yeah, he has been awesome."

Campbell noted that linebacker Derrick Barnes has had a strong minicamp. The third-year Purdue product has been taking first-team reps throughout the offseason.