By Blessing 
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Sunday night that he personally took over play-calling duties during the team’s 44–22 rout of the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Throughout the game, cameras caught Campbell wearing glasses and clearly calling plays as Detroit’s offense exploded for its best outing of the season. The Lions rolled up 546 total yards and scored on every drive except the final one, which ended with the team kneeling out the clock.
The switch came a week after Detroit’s disappointing 27–24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, where the offense appeared out of rhythm. Campbell explained that his decision was simply about trying something new.
“I know what I want to do, I know how I want to do it. Now, that being said, this is a collaborative effort now. I was taking input from John Morton that whole time, and the other coaches,” Campbell said. “So this, man, this is all-encompassing. Man, we all work together. Coaches did a hell of a job, but I just wanted to change it up a little bit.
“Let’s just see if maybe a different play caller can get us a little rhythm, that’s all. And it honestly is nothing more than that.”
Even though the Lions entered the game ranked second in scoring, they had struggled since the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Their third-down conversions had dropped to 25th in the league, and early-down rushing success was lagging. The offense also suffered from negative plays such as sacks and tackles for loss.
On Sunday, those problems vanished. Detroit went 5-for-10 on third down, opened the game 4-for-4 in those situations, allowed zero sacks or tackles for loss, and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs turned in a monster performance with 142 rushing yards and three total touchdowns.
When asked what changed under Campbell’s direction, Gibbs summed it up simply: “the flow and stuff.”
“I mean, you didn’t know what we were gonna run,” Gibbs added.
Quarterback Jared Goff, who completed 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, praised Campbell’s feel for the team and how smoothly he managed the offense.
“I thought he did a great job, I really did. … It’s been a long time since he’s done it, and I thought he did a great job of getting the plays in on time, getting the personnel in, and switching up the tempos. He was great,” Goff said.
Added Goff, “I’ve been saying it for years, he’s not just this rah-rah guy. He’s extremely smart and has a very good feel for people and players and obviously our team.”
Center Graham Glasgow echoed the same sentiment, saying Campbell “called a good game today.”
It wasn’t the first time Campbell had taken control of the offense midseason. Back in 2021, he assumed play-calling responsibilities from then-offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, who left after the season.
But Campbell and Goff emphasized that this time felt entirely different. Detroit is winning, confident, and searching for consistency rather than a spark.
“John is vital to me. He gives me critical information that deals with the pass game, and that, number one, is his baby, man. It’s his bread and butter, it’s one of the things he does well,” Campbell said.
“I think that’s the best way I can say (it), man. He’s good. I’m glad he’s here. … I know how the other one ended, but that’s — listen, man, this is where I’m at. He’s in a great spot. He helped me out a lot today.”