Dan Campbell Does Not Commit to Play-Calling in 2022

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has gained confidence in his offensive play-calling abilities the past several weeks.

Heading into the final game of the season, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took some time to reflect on his first year.

He’s been pleased with the fan engagement, especially the final two home games of the season. Those last two home contests, against Minnesota and Arizona, both ended in wins.

Campbell himself has evolved throughout the season, taking over the play-calling duties in Week 10. He’s shown growth in each week, using the help of tight ends coach Ben Johnson to come up with creative looks in the passing game.

Campbell spoke Wednesday on what the year has been like for him.

“Coach (Bill) Parcells used to always say, ‘Running a team is like having a garden,’” Campbell said. “The minute you neglect one area, it’ll wither and die if you’re not watering, you’re not pulling weeds. Unfortunately, you start figuring that out the hard way. It’s been a process, but I’m miles ahead of where I was three or four weeks ago. I feel that way, I’m so much more comfortable now.”

Growing that garden will be key moving into 2022, as the Lions have youth that many fans and pundits alike are optimistic about.

When asked, Detroit's first-year head coach did not commit to calling plays again next season.

"I’m not ready to commit to what I’m doing next year yet," he said. "I’ve got to sit down and process all of this at the right time.”

Aaron Rodgers 'dangerous' as he’s ever been

The Lions will play the Green Bay Packers in the season finale. Though the Packers have locked up the top seed on the NFC side of the playoffs, reports have said that the team plans to play its starters.

That starting lineup includes all-everything quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has made a living terrorizing the other teams in the NFC North, with late comebacks and dominant performances throughout his career.

During the 2021 season, Rodgers has thrown for 3,977 yards, 35 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Even at age 38, it’s been vintage Rodgers for the Packers.

Campbell was asked what he believes makes the quarterback on the opposite sideline so special.

“He’s still playing at a very high level,” Campbell said. “He’s a quick processor. He’s got a quick release. He knows the game. I mean he’s a high-level thinker. It’s one of those things where he’s got enough flexibility in what he’s able to do, to do a number of things that he can do to beat your coverages and pressures.”

Campbell also praised the efforts of those around Rodgers, including the run game and the defense, for what they have done to help out their quarterback.

“That defense over there is pretty good, so they’re getting him the ball back,” Campbell said. “And then when you accompany that with a run game, with Aaron Jones and those guys, it’s a tough team. But, I know this, (Rodgers) hasn’t slowed down. He’s as dangerous as he’s ever been.”

In his first matchup with Detroit this season, Rodgers went 22-for-27 for 255 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

‘Proof is in the pudding’ with Packers coach Matt LaFleur

Campbell also spoke on the man running the show for the Packers, third-year head coach Matt LaFleur.

Sunday will be a return to the home state for LaFleur, who is a Mount Pleasant native and played college football at Saginaw Valley State. In three seasons, he’s produced three 13-3 campaigns. Heading into the season finale, he’s looking to add win No. 14 before the team hits the playoffs.

“He’s done a great job with those players and that roster,” Campbell said. “He’s very flexible in what he does, and the use of talent that he has has been very noticeable for me. As an offensive play-caller, he’s very creative. He gives you a look and then counters with it. I think every week, they do things really well to attack the opponent, but yet, it’s still things that are their core values, in who they are and what they do.”

LaFleur’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, as Rodgers has developed connections with a variety of receivers. Meanwhile, Jones and A.J. Dillon have held down the running game. Heading into the season finale, with the No. 1 seed locked in, the Packers are looking to add one more win.

Campbell hopes to stand in the way, but recognizes the talent that he’s up against.

“He’s done a great job,” Campbell said. “You can’t argue with what they’ve done since he’s been there. The proof’s in the pudding.”

Notes

• Quarterback Jared Goff had a productive and "promising" workout on Tuesday. Campbell noted on Wednesday the team is running a modified, pass-heavy practice, with a heavy emphasis on seven-on-seven drills. 

• Defensive line coach Todd Wash told reporters the team is not down on rookie defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike. Despite his inconsistency this season, the team has seen flashes of solid play. During the offseason, the coaching staff wants Onwuzurike to focus on gaining strength in his lower-body.