THE LIONS FILE
Home field: Ford Field
Coach: Dan Campbell
Offensive star: RB D’Andre Smith
Defensive star: DE Aidan Hutchinson
2021 Season: Failed to Make Playoffs
Super Bowls: No appearances.
Greatest Player: RB Barry Sanders
Factoid: Most Thanksgiving Day Games (37-43-2)
By Lenn Robbins
Good news: He’s fun to watch. He’s passionate. He’s emotional. He’s demonstrative. He’s optimistic. He’s a smart risk-taker. He’s a great interview. He’s authentic. Why, Dan Campbell is just about all things to all people.
Bad news: He’s the coach, not a player.
Campbell has clearly injected some much-needed mojo into the Detroit franchise. He’s should get an Emmy nomination for his appearance on “Hard Knocks.” He’s motivated players, energized a fan base and lifted expectations, even if the Lions probably won’t make the playoffs this season.
But, if Campbell can keep the positive RPMs revving in the Motor City, and Detroit can keep adding talent and if Jared Goff makes it here when he couldn’t make it L.A., maybe the Lions become the surprise team of the NFC.
Goff, of course, was the quarterback the Rams traded away for Detroit QB Matt Stafford. Stafford led the Rams to the Super Bowl title. Goff led the Lions to a 3-13-1 record although they went 3-3 in the final six games.
It’s not as if the Lions are without talent. D’Andre Swift is a legit No.1 back if he can stay healthy. Amon-Ra St. Brown turned heads as a rookie WR. Tight end D.J. Hockenson has emerged as a legit threat. And first-round pick Jameson Williams could turn out to be the best young receiver of this class.
The Lions made the hometown fans happy taking Michigan DE Aiden Hutchinson with the second pick in the draft. He could replace Campbell as the face of the franchise. Detroit fans have their emotional pedal to the metal thanks to Campbell. Now they just need a team that can burn rubber.