By Blessing 
Dan Campbell’s Bold Call Keeps Lions Roaring Ahead of Eagles Test
Who would’ve thought a coach in glasses could look this gritty? Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling from John Morton, and suddenly the Detroit Lions offense exploded — scoring on their first eight drives, never punting, avoiding sacks, and racking up 546 total yards.
Campbell knows the Philadelphia Eagles will be a far bigger test than the depleted Washington Commanders. The Lions are still searching for the same rhythm that carried them through their dominant runs in 2023 and 2024.
> “We’ve got our hands full this week,” Campbell said Monday. “We’ve got to be hitting in all three phases of the game against Philadelphia, because if we’re not, it won’t be enough.”
Detroit’s 44–22 win over Washington was the response Campbell wanted after a disappointing home loss to Minnesota. Facing a Commanders team that stunned them in last season’s playoffs, the Lions looked sharper, faster, and more determined.
The biggest change? Campbell himself was on the headset, replacing Morton as offensive play-caller. He hasn’t decided if it’s a permanent move, but for now, he’ll handle the role again against the Eagles.
Taking charge gave him direct access to every offensive coach, something he saw as a huge advantage.
> “Johnny’s an asset because he gives me critical information about tendencies,” Campbell explained. “Same thing with (offensive line coach) Hank Fraley. I took input from them, from (wide receivers coach) Scottie Montgomery, (quarterbacks coach) David Shaw and a bunch of other coaches. It’s a collaborative effort.”
For one week at least, everything worked. The Lions never looked threatened, jumping ahead 14–3 after the first quarter and 25–10 by halftime.
With Campbell and Jared Goff calling the shots together, the offense posted a season-high 546 yards — averaging 8 yards per play.
Goff completed 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers or sacks. Jahmyr Gibbs totaled 172 yards and three touchdowns on 18 touches, while Jameson Williams hauled in six catches for 119 yards and a score.
> “The offensive line stepped up in a big way — those guys are all getting game balls,” Campbell said. “Goff was outstanding and all our guys stepped up and played big for us. They were playing for the guy next to them, and you could see that with all the downfield blocks we had. Guys were trying to help their teammates make plays, knowing the favor would be returned when they got the ball.”
Now the challenge ramps up. The Eagles boast one of the league’s most complete defenses and already hold wins over Minnesota and Kansas City — two teams that have beaten Detroit this season. They also faced Green Bay, another Lions opponent, on Monday night.
> “We have a vision for how we want the game to go, and now we have to set up the whole lineup to give them the best chance to win,” Campbell said. “We are going to ask the offensive line to do some hard things, so how can we help to get them some momentum? That will get (Goff) going, and then how do we get (Amon-Ra) St. Brown and Gibbs going? If we do that, the players will take over and then I just get the hell out of the way.”
What’s Working
Morton wasn’t terrible as a play-caller — the Lions averaged 40.3 points during a four-game winning streak earlier this year — but the offense seemed crisper under Campbell. Williams’ increased involvement stretched defenses, and Gibbs’ touches in open space gave Detroit more versatility. When both are rolling, it creates room for Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, and Sam LaPorta to thrive.
What’s Not
Special teams remain inconsistent. Jake Bates had another field goal blocked — his second in two weeks — and Detroit’s kickoff coverage continues to give opponents extra yardage.
Stock Up
Williams’ 119 yards were his best since last December against the Bears, when he went for 143. His six receptions also tied his season high, a promising sign that his chemistry with Goff is growing.
Stock Down
Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin struggled filling in for Terrion Arnold, surrendering a 37-yard completion from Marcus Mariota to Treylon Burks. Safety Brian Branch was also beaten on a 41-yard deep shot to Jaylin Lane, exposing Detroit’s depth issues in the secondary.
Injuries
Arnold remains in concussion protocol, and his status for the Eagles game is unclear. Campbell admitted it’s a concern given other injuries in the defensive backfield — especially with Jalen Hurts next on the schedule.
Key Number
41 — that’s how many points the Eagles have averaged in their last two matchups against Detroit. Philadelphia won 38–35 in 2022 and 44–6 in 2021, rushing for 226 yards per game in those contests.
Next Steps
The Lions have a scheduling edge this week. They’ll benefit from extra rest and prep time before facing the Eagles, who just played Monday night. Campbell’s focus now: keeping that offensive fire burning while tightening up the flaws that could decide Sunday’s showdown.