Dan Campbell has identified the Lions' biggest issues, and it's the difference between being good and unstoppable
The Detroit Lions bye week is over, and they had a good first quarter of the season, starting 5-2. Right now, they have the first-ranked defense in terms of DVOA and the fifth-ranked offense. Things look like they're going pretty well, but there are two problems. One problem that we identified is not scoring after forcing turnovers, and the other one comes right from the head coach.
The Lions are having a lot of problems converting on third down
"We are not getting the plays that we normally get because we are not converting like we should on third down." Campbell said Monday. "Third down is the most glaring thing right now. We have to be better. It's right there. That's the thing, Johnny (John Morton) and I have looked at. That's the big focus for us."
Campbell went on to say that's not just the third-and-longs that the Lions are having trouble with. They're struggling to convert on third-and-manageable, too. Third-and-manable being that 3rd-and-4 through 4rd-and-6 region.
He's right. There has been a stark drop-off in this category. The Lions finished the season last year, converting on 46.9% of their third-down attempts. That was fourth in the league. This year, they're only converting on 37.6%. That's 21st in the league. In the manageable department that Campbell was talking about, the Lions are converting 47% of their plays there. That's down from 59% last year.
To still be 5-2 is a sign that this is a really good football team. If they're able to get this fixed, which is not a huge thing that takes weeks and weeks to fix, they're likely going to be able to be an extremely dangerous football team down the second half stretch. A perfect time to have all your ducks in a row.
Adam Thielen RETURNS to the Vikings: ‘This Place Means the World to Me!’ — Fans Go Wild!
Adam Thielen is back in Minnesota, and the excitement is palpable! The fan-favorite wide receiver returned to the
After spending several successful seasons with the Vikings, Thielen left a massive legacy in Minnesota, and now, with his return, he’s looking to write the next chapter in his storied career. Thielen, known for his work ethic, clutch plays, and undeniable chemistry with the team, made it clear that coming back to Minnesota feels like home.
Fake Quote from Adam Thielen: "There’s nothing like playing in front of the fans here. The energy, the history — this is home. I’ve always said it, but being back just reinforces how much this place means to me. I’m ready to get back to work and help bring a championship back to Minnesota."
Thielen’s return has sparked an outpouring of excitement from Vikings fans, who are eager to see him make an impact once again on the field. With his leadership, experience, and playmaking ability, Thielen brings a unique energy to a team looking to compete for a Super Bowl.
Fake Quote from Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell: "Adam’s return is huge for this team, not just for his on-field skills, but for what he represents. He’s a leader, and his familiarity with our system makes him an invaluable asset. Having him back is a big step forward for this team."
As the Vikings gear up for the 2025 season, Thielen’s return adds another layer of excitement to what promises to be an unforgettable year. With the fanbase behind him and a team determined to make a Super Bowl run, Thielen is more motivated than ever to finish his career in the place that helped him rise to NFL stardom.
