'I've Got His Back Until the End': Penei Sewell Defends Dan Campbell

Penei Sewell says players need to execute.

The Detroit Lions took a step forward in their rebuilding process with a very successful 2023 season. 

Even though the team blew a 17-point halftime against the 49ers and lost an opportunity to advance in the postseason, history will view Dan Campbell's third season in Motown as being successful. 

Critics have been vocal regarding Campbell's decisions, especially being aggressive in the second half, opting not to kick field goals and keeping his offense out on the field. 

At the Pro Bowl, right tackle Penei Sewell verbalized his staunch support of his head coach. 

Detroit's roster fully supported Campbell's decisions, indicating it is the job of players to execute whatever is decided by the coaching staff. 

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"I don't agree with any criticism towards Coach. I've got his back until the end," Sewell said, via ESPN. "If he tells me to jump off a cliff with him, I'm right next to him. 

"I'm so serious. So, whatever he says, whatever he calls, we've just got to execute. So, that's on us really. That's my guy."

Now that both coordinators are set to return in 2024, there is elevated hope the team can again make a deep playoff run, possibly even having a chance to play for a Lombardi Trophy. 

Sewell expressed, "It's family really. Those two guys coming back, it kind of solidifies that and it just speaks to it. It's on for real. We all love them."

Detroit's talented offensive lineman believes the team can tap into another level, using the sting of losing as motivation to fuel their next run. 

"Every new year going in, there's always another level to tap into, and I feel like there's no limit and we've just got to go attack it like that."