Dan Campbell Doesn’t Mince Words With Ben Johnson Before Lions-Bears

The NFL season kicked off last week, and the Detroit Lions are already off to a rocky start, but remember that it’s early. It’s easy to start panicking after that loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 7, especially because it was pretty much a blowout, but don’t lose heart. That’s just one game, and the Detroit Lions lost their second game of the season last season but came back stronger than ever.

The Lions, of course, are without offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn this season. Now, the big test for the Lions is up ahead. The team will take on the Chicago Bears, Johnson’s new team, on Sunday, September 14, at Ford Field.

There’s a good reason the Detroit Lions should be worried, and that’s because Johnson has already helped improve the Bears’ offense. Even though the team lost in their first game of the season to the Vikings, their offense looked strong, including quarterback Caleb Williams. Now, Campbell is talking about the team’s upcoming matchup, and he’s not leaving anything to chance.

Ben Johnson Gets a Message From Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions fell hard to the Packers in the season opener, and if they lose to the Bears on Sunday, they’re going to have to do a lot to raise themselves up in the NFC North. Winning this game is crucial to the Lions, and Campbell knows it.

“It’s the same thing. He knows what we’re about, we know what he’s about and because of that, you’re going to play that game a little bit,” Campbell said in a conference on Monday, September 8. “But the game doesn’t matter if you don’t master the basics inside the game. That’s what we have to get back to. We have to worry about ourselves right now and just home in on the little things.”

It’s interesting that he points out the basics, because the Lions should already really have those down. But, the reality is that they don’t, at least not yet. Either way, Campbell says the team will be ready this weekend, so Johnson better watch out.

“We’re going in and getting ready to play Chicago. We’re going to win this game,” Campbell said. “We have to. We have to find a way to clean things up and do what we got to do. And they’re going to try to do the same thing, just like every week.”

Dan Campbell Isn’t Making Excuses for Detroit Lions Loss

The Lions are a young team, and that may have led to the loss, too. But, Campbell isn’t making excuses.

“Youth can play a part in it,” Campbell, our favorite Metallica enthusiest, said. “We had some young guys that struggled yesterday. I certainly didn’t think it would be the best performance they would have all year, but it wasn’t good enough. Good news is, there’s no where to go but up, and up they will go.”

It’s really a must for the Detroit Lions to win this game against the Bears, not just for their record but for their motivation. Here’s to believing they can get it done.

Reunion No One Saw Coming: Marcus Williams Could Return to Saints After Injury to Blackmon

The New Orleans Saints fear that safety Julian Blackmon suffered a torn labrum in their 20-13 defeat versus the Arizona Cardinals. Former Saints safety Marcus Williams immediately jumps out as a strong target for a possible reunion in New Orleans.

Williams has remained a free agent since March, after he was released by the Ravens. The two sides parted ways due to poor production on the field and a large hit to the team’s salary cap.

A reunion with New Orleans seems possible, especially after the Saints opted for a veteran presence by signing. Blackmon, following Tyrann Matthieu’s surprising retirement. He could instantly fill the teams safety void if they decide to take the veteran pathway.

A return to New Orleans could reignite Marcus Williams

Williams was drafted by the squad in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent his first 5 seasons in New Orleans where he was regarded as one of the best young safeties in the league. His highly productive role as a deep safety led him to sign a 5 year $70 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 offseason. He finished his Saints tenure with 320 tackles and 11 interceptions.

Williams saw the worst year of his career in the 2024 campaign. The Ravens found more success with their younger safeties, resulting in the team making him a healthy scratch in several games and eventually leading to his release this offseason. He finished the season with career lows in every major category and posted a career low PFF grade of 42.9.

Williams would also be the deep safety. That's what he did best, and it's how Blackmon was used the most in the season opener. He was a player who kept the lid on the offense. You're not going to want Williams in the box often so expect a similar role if he joins the Saints.

Aside from a down year in 2024, Williams has been a consistently productive starter. A change of scenery to a place he once called home could be what he needs to regenerate his former production. He had multiple interceptions each of his seasons in New Orleans, including two seasons with four interceptions. Williams provides the Saints with a familiar face, a veteran presence, and a player that is capable of taking on a prominent role.