Dan Campbell Issues Stern Warning on Patrick Mahomes Threat While Lions Grapple With Crucial Injury Decisions
Patrick Mahomes didn’t start the season very well, but it did not take him long to get his form back. Over the past couple of games, he’s been back to his old self. And knowing what damage an in-form Mahomes can cause, the Lions’ HC Dan Campbell has already warned his defense of the ultimate threat this Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.
Campbell couldn’t help but shake his head when talking about Mahomes’ ability to turn nothing into something. “He scrambles. He’s not through. He’s up, running. And he ends up getting the first down. And it’s annoying, but that’s what this guy does,” the Lions’ HC said.
Yes, watching a locked-in Mahomes can be ridiculous. In last week’s 31–28 loss to the Jaguars, he was the Chiefs’ best rusher, too. Six carries, 60 yards, and a touchdown. That nine-yard score was vintage Mahomes.
Through just a few weeks, he’s already picked up three rushing touchdowns and is averaging 38 rushing yards a game. That’s not exactly something defensive coordinators like to see on film.
Campbell’s got every reason to be concerned. But he’s also got a clear plan for his defense. He has one simple philosophy to contain Patrick Mahomes: rush integrity.
“Well, look, discipline, you know, with all these guys that you talk about, you have to have rush integrity,” Campbell added. “They’re mobile in the pocket, man. They can scramble. Eyes downfield, all of that, man. Rush integrity. Close your lanes in. Do not lunge at the guy. You wrap him up. You got to pull him down. And then stay alive in the coverage.”
It sounds like football 101, but perfecting rush integrity does not come easy. Rush integrity means every defensive lineman has to play their gap perfectly, maintain leverage, and resist the temptation to freelance for a big play. The second a defensive tackle gets too wide or an edge rusher loses contain, Mahomes will see daylight.
That’s exactly what Campbell’s trying to drill into his defense this week. Keep those rush lanes tight, trust your teammates, and force Mahomes into your help instead of giving him open space to work with. Simple on paper. But polishing that integrity is
And even if Detroit nails that part of the game plan, there’s still a huge problem: their secondary is falling apart.
Dan Campbell faces an injury headache
The Lions are limping into this matchup against Mahomes without a lot of their key defensive backs. Both starting corners, D.J. Reed (on IR) and Terrion Arnold (shoulder), are expected to miss the game. That alone would make life tough, but it gets worse for HC Campbell.
Brian Branch has been battling an ankle injury and needed an MRI earlier this week. The good news, according to the Lions head coach, is that it’s not as serious as they feared, and Branch actually has a decent shot to play. But Kerby Joseph’s status isn’t nearly as optimistic. The team’s leader in interceptions hasn’t practiced all week due to a lingering knee issue that’s bothered him all season.
Campbell’s taking a cautious approach: “Just trying to be smart with them right now, and see where they both go,” he said about the safeties. And then there’s veteran Avonte Maddox, who was supposed to hold down the nickel corner spot and provide some insurance at safety. He went down this week with a hamstring injury that Campbell called a “game-time decision,” but, well, it doesn’t sound too positive.
So, the Lions are heading into this one pretty banged up, and Dan Campbell’s trying to patch things together however he can. Facing Patrick Mahomes is hard enough when you’re at full strength. Doing it with a secondary held together by duct tape? It’s going to take a lot more than a good pass rush to stop him.
BREAKING: Red Sox Shock MLB with 8-Year, $280 Million Mega-Deal for Trevor Story — Emotional "No-Trade" Clause Ties His Future to Fenway Forever
Fenway Park will soon witness a love story written in gold.
After years of battling injuries, overcoming doubts, and fighting through whispers about his future, Trevor Story has silenced the critics — and the Boston Red Sox have responded with unwavering faith. The Red Sox have reportedly inked the shortstop to a stunning 8-year, $280 million deal, securing his place in Boston for the foreseeable future. The blockbuster contract, which includes a “no-trade” clause, means Story’s future is tied to Fenway Park, where he will leave his legacy.
In an emotional press conference, Story was visibly moved as he reflected on the journey that brought him here. With tears in his eyes, he shared, “I thought they stopped believing in me. But now… I want to stay here forever.”
The contract, which will keep Story with the Red Sox through the 2033 season, is not just a financial commitment; it’s a symbol of the faith the organization has in their star player. Story’s signing signals that the Red Sox are fully invested in their future, with Story playing a central role as they chase championship aspirations in the years to come.
When Story was acquired by Boston in 2022, his debut season was marred by injuries, leading some to question if the Red Sox had made the right move. But despite the setbacks, Story battled back, returning to form in 2023 and silencing the critics with a strong, consistent performance. His ability to hit for power, combined with his elite defense, made him one of the top shortstops in the league once again.
The decision to lock him in for the long term was met with widespread approval. Red Sox President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom, spoke highly of Story’s impact on and off the field. “Trevor has proven time and time again that he’s not only one of the best shortstops in the game but also a leader in our clubhouse,” said Bloom. “This deal is a testament to the commitment we have in bringing sustained success to Boston, and Trevor is at the heart of that vision.”
As one of the game’s most respected shortstops, Story’s leadership extends beyond his athletic ability. His presence on the field and in the locker room has become integral to the Red Sox’s culture, and his new contract solidifies his place as one of the faces of the franchise for the next decade.
For Story, this contract is about more than just money; it’s about redemption and loyalty. After enduring a tough period of recovery and doubt, he is finally getting the validation he’s earned. “I’ve always loved this city, and now, to know that I’ll be a part of it for the rest of my career, it means everything to me,” he said.
The Red Sox have made a bold move, securing one of the game’s premier talents for the long haul. Story’s mega-deal will have major ramifications in the AL East, signaling Boston’s intent to remain competitive at the highest level.
Fenway Park will continue to host the powerful bat and unmatched grit of Trevor Story, and it’s clear: the story isn’t just about a player returning to form, but about his everlasting legacy in one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball.
