The Dan Campbell-led Detroit Lions made a strong comeback attempt in a game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. But NFL MVP candidate Josh Allen, who was responsible for four touchdowns in the game, proved to be too much for the Lions to overcome.
While the 48-42 loss to the Bills represented the Lions’ second loss of the season, it did not unseat Detroit from first place in the NFC. The Lions and Philadelphia Eagles enter Week 16 with a 12-2 record.
But the Lions didn’t get to 12 wins without their fair share of adversity on the injury front.
Several Lions players suffered what appeared to be serious injuries during Sunday’s game. Campbell addressed the team’s difficult circumstances during his regular appearance on Detroit’s 97.1 The Ticket. At one point during the conversation, an impassioned Campbell let out some profanity.
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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half on Nov. 17, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
“You know, what happens is you get used to eating steak, and I mean all of it, and it’s all good,” Campbell said. “Life is good, but you forgot what it was like when you had nothing and ate your damn bread. It was good and gave you everything you needed. Sometimes you get punched in the mouth.” and remember what it was like to really appreciate where you are, and we will.
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“We have a bad taste in our mouths. We got kicked the other day. We lost some guys. And you know what? This is exactly what we needed. This is exactly what we needed.”
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 22, 2024. (Matt Kartozian/Image Images)
Campbell also said he doesn’t care how the Lions win, as long as his team has more points than its opponent at the end of the game.
“And I don’t give a shit if we have to win by one point for the rest of the year, that’s what we’re going to do,” Campbell added. “And I’m going to be happy about that. We came out of the game with 50 yards of total offense, and we won by one? You’ll see smiles on my face. I promise you that.
“If it’s the other way around, defensively we give up 700 yards and we win by one point, you’re going to see a damn grin from ear to ear, okay? I promise you. So we’re going to find a way and we’re going to do it.”
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell talks to players during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
In October, star defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson fractured his left tibia and fibula. The injury will likely sideline him for the remainder of the regular season, but he could return to action in February if the Lions advance to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.
“We’re going to miss him, man,” Campbell admitted. “He’s another one of those guys that got us to this position, helped us get to where we are. And the rest of us, we owe it to him to keep going and make sure it’s not in vain.”
Injuries will keep defensive lineman Alim McNeill and defensive backs Carlton Davis and Khalil Dorsey sidelined the rest of the season. Campbell also confirmed that running back David Montgomery will miss this year due to an MCL injury.
The Chicago Bears host the Lions on December 22.
