After the Detroit Lions’ disappointing loss to the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Dan Campbell didn’t sugarcoat what went wrong — and it starts up front. The Lions’ usually reliable offensive line had one of its toughest outings of the season, and Campbell was quick to admit that the team’s pass protection just wasn’t good enough.
“We didn’t handle their pressure the way we should have,” Campbell said, acknowledging that breakdowns in communication and missed assignments gave the Vikings’ defense too many free shots at Jared Goff. Minnesota’s front consistently disrupted Detroit’s rhythm, forcing hurried throws and collapsing pockets that kept the offense from finding its usual groove.
The struggles were especially glaring considering how much emphasis the Lions place on physicality and protection. With Penei Sewell and the line expected to anchor the offense, the performance raised some concerns heading into the next stretch of the season.
Still, Campbell isn’t pointing fingers — he’s taking responsibility. “It starts with me,” he said. “We’ve got to clean it up, and we will.”
The message was clear: Detroit knows its identity is built in the trenches, and a performance like this can’t become a trend. Expect the Lions to respond the way Campbell’s teams always do — by turning frustration into fuel.
Lions’ Wall Crumbled — Dan Campbell Reveals Truth About Pass Protection Struggles
