Dan Campbell Sounds the Alarm: Lions Must Stay Grounded vs. Lamar Jackson
Posted September 20, 2025
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell guided his team to a bounce-back victory in Week 2, blowing out the Chicago Bears after a stinging loss to the Green Bay Packers to start the year.
There’s another big test coming in Week 3, facing Super Bowl contender Baltimore Ravens and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. Campbell opened up about the approach his team must take against the dynamic playmaker.
Lions Coach Wants Players to Stay Aggressive
The Lions have gained a reputation as one of the most aggressive teams on defense, an approach that has the potential to backfire against a talented player like Jackson. The Ravens quarterback can beat teams with his arm or his legs, so Campbell knows that his team will need to stay disciplined when they face him.
“We’re going to have to be on point again,” Campbell said, via USA Today’s Lions Wire. “You can’t paralyze your guys, either. You can’t pull back so far on them that they lose what makes them great players. Or like a guy like (Aidan Hutchinson) Hutch, you’ve just got to be careful.”
Campbell said that means keeping players on the ground and swarming to tackles.
“So, yes we have to be disciplined … Don’t leave your feet,” Campbell said. “You just keep moving with a base until you get reinforcements, and let’s just close it in on them. That’ll certainly be a point of emphasis.”
Campbell acknowledged that it will be a difficult task against the Ravens, but believes his team is up for the challenge.
“We know the test that’s in front of us, the task that we’re given, and we accept it,” Campbell said.
Lions Could Be Shorthanded Against Lamar Jackson
The challenge the Lions face against Jackson could be greater due to a key injury. Defensive end Marcus Davenport was hurt in last week’s win over the Chicago Bears, injuring his chest while sacking quarterback Caleb Williams.
Campbell said the team would know more about Davenport’s status by the end of the week, but he had not been able to practice during the week. Because the team faces the Ravens on Monday Night Football, the final decision may not come until after the team’s final practice of the week on Saturday.
As Benjamin Raven on MLive.com noted, the team may turn to a reserve edge rusher if Davenport is unable to go.
“Lions edge defender Al-Quadin Muhammad is expected to play a major role if Davenport misses any time,” Raven wrote. “Muhammad’s usage jumped from seven to 36 snaps last week. He posted his first sack of the campaign and three pressures in the process.”
The Lions have already had problems with the depth of their pass rush, struggling last season when Hutchinson went down with a season-ending broken leg.
The Lions did get some good news on a pair of injuries in their secondary, with cornerback D.J. Reed and safety Kerby Joseph returning to practice on Friday. Both defensive backs had been limited in practice earlier in the week with knee injuries, with Joseph’s ailment dating back to training camp, Raven noted.
Kevin Stefanski VOWS to Defy 'Conventional Wisdom' with No. 2 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft: "We’re Focused on What’s Best for This Team"
In a bold statement that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed that the team plans to ignore "conventional wisdom" when selecting their prized No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite the prevailing opinions around team-building and draft strategy, Stefanski is confident that the Browns will make a groundbreaking choice that could shake up the league.
“We’re not here to follow trends,” Stefanski said with firm conviction. “We’re here to build a championship team, and that pick is a critical piece of that vision. We know what’s best for this team, and we’re not afraid to make bold decisions.”
The Browns’ No. 2 pick in 2026 has become one of the most talked-about assets in the league, with many experts predicting the team will follow traditional draft strategies. However, Stefanski’s comments indicate that Cleveland is ready to step outside the box and make a selection that defies expectations.
“We’re thinking about the long-term success of this franchise, not just short-term needs,” Stefanski continued. “This pick is about positioning ourselves for greatness, and we’re going to make the choice that gives us the best shot at being a true contender. We’re not going to be swayed by what others think we should do.”
As the draft draws nearer, all eyes will be on Stefanski and the Browns to see what bold move they make. With Stefanski’s leadership, the Browns are setting themselves up for a future that could defy expectations and change the trajectory of their franchise.
