Who are these guys?
The dudes saving the Lions’ season, that’s who. Pat O’Connor, Trevor Nowaske, Myles Adams, Ezekiel Turner, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Jonah Williams.
The Lions beat the Packers Thursday night by deploying this eclectic variety of castoffs and undrafted free agents on its injury-depleted defense. At least, Jamal Adams and Kwon Alexander are well-known, but they were out there for a reason, and it wasn’t because of being at the top of their game.
Another challenge was presented. The Lions passed with flying colors.
The Lions remain the NFC’s best team, and perhaps the top squad in the entire NFL, despite a rash of injuries that would have decimated a lesser team, which they had been for more than six decades.
What happened? Why are the Lions so unrelentingly good, perhaps great? The reasons are multi-layered, but superior coaching is No. 1. After decades of searching for a good head coach, the Lions have landed a great one.
General manager Brad Holmes has supplied Dan Campbell with outstanding ingredients, which Campbell has effectively put to use while cooking the Lions’ current delectable meal. Lately though, Campbell has been forced to add the NFL’s version of table scraps to the mix.
The Lions keep winning. It made Thursday’s victory over the Packers particularly tasty.
Campbell is everything Lions’ fans have ever wanted in a coach. He is rugged, yet humble. He plays to win instead of not to lose. Even during his early struggles, he never pointed the finger at fans or media like several previous Lions’ coaches. Campbell has a personality. He doesn’t hide his emotions or feelings.
But that’s more window dressing. It would be meaningless if the players didn’t buy in. The Lions are brilliant technically. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is more maestro than football coach, his play calls blending rhythm and melody perfectly.
This town has finally come to realize that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is equally as effective as Johnson, although in a different manner.
To suggest Campbell is merely a product of his coordinators would be missing the point. Glenn is his right-hand man, and Campbell was smart enough to place responsibilities on Johnson far beyond what his experience implied at the time of his promotion.
Football is tough and grimy. Letting up is easy. A little extra effort doesn’t always pay off. It’s persistent focus and belief that does. The Lions' players understand that. Yes, they have plenty of talent, but it’s so powerful because it is maximized.
The Lions win track-meet games and defensive struggles. They pull out close games, but have also produced epic routs. They win home or road, inside and out, with regulars, practice squad players and those just signed.
That’s a testament to their head coach, first and foremost.
Dan Campbell has done a magnificent job.