By Moses Joshua 
After another costly loss, Detroit’s head coach confronts reality—and doubles down on belief in key defenders
If there was any doubt about where the Detroit Lions’ biggest concern lies, Sunday’s 41–34 loss to the Los Angeles Rams erased it. The defense struggled at every level, getting overpowered in the trenches and exposed on the perimeter. Rather than deflect or downplay the issues, head coach Dan Campbell has leaned into them—publicly and directly.
Appearing Tuesday morning on 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell spoke candidly about two defenders under the microscope: defensive tackle Alim McNeill and cornerback D.J. Reed. His message was honest, measured, and revealing—not just about the problems, but about why he believes solutions are coming.
Alim McNeill and the Weight of Expectations
McNeill hasn’t looked like the disruptive force Lions fans grew accustomed to before his ACL injury last season. The gap between past dominance and current production hasn’t gone unnoticed—least of all by McNeill himself.
“I know Mac feels like he can play better. He holds himself to very high standards. We know there’s more in there, you know,” Campbell said.
Campbell explained that the issue isn’t necessarily physical. Sometimes, it’s the mental side of the game slowing a player down.
“Sometimes, you process things a little too much, instead of cutting it loose… you’re thinking about the look, the formation, all these things.”
Rather than criticize, Campbell framed it as a natural hurdle for a player returning to form. His confidence in McNeill never wavered.
“I know he believes he can play better. And we all do. So, he’s going to go back to work. And he’ll be alright.”
With three must-win games remaining, Detroit needs McNeill to rediscover that instinctive, disruptive presence immediately.
D.J. Reed Under the Spotlight
If McNeill’s struggles have been subtle, D.J. Reed’s have been anything but. Over the last four games, opposing quarterbacks have targeted him relentlessly, exploiting coverage and piling up production.
Campbell didn’t dodge that reality. Instead, he contextualized it.
“Those guys, they’re put out on an island… they’re like quarterbacks. You get out there and there’s nowhere to run, nor to hide.”
Cornerback, Campbell noted, is a position built on isolation and accountability. Even veterans can hit rough patches.
“You’re not going to win all those battles… sometimes things don’t go your way, and you may have a little bit of a stretch.”
Despite the struggles, Campbell pushed back strongly against the idea that Reed is unraveling.
“I know him well enough to know that whatever it is, he’s going to continue to work himself through it… he’s going to come out of this and he’s going to be just fine.”
Effort, in Campbell’s eyes, hasn’t been the issue.
“He went after it last week, he continued to work and he’s going to be alright. He’ll be alright.”
Why Campbell’s Confidence Matters Now
The Lions’ defense needs more than schematic tweaks—it needs stability, belief, and timely improvement. Campbell’s willingness to publicly support McNeill and Reed sends a message to the locker room: accountability and trust can coexist.
Detroit’s playoff hopes hinge on defensive progress, and there’s no time for gradual improvement. If McNeill regains his interior dominance and Reed steadies the outside coverage, the ripple effect could elevate the entire unit.
Campbell is betting on that response. He’s seen it before. Now, with the season hanging in the balance, he’s expecting it again.
Because for the Lions, belief isn’t optional—it’s essential.