By Moses Joshua 
As Detroit battles through injuries and offensive turmoil, a familiar concern resurfaces — can one man do it all?
A Successful Season With a Hidden Cost
The Detroit Lions are still standing tall in the NFC playoff picture, pushing for another NFC North crown despite a season laced with adversity. Injuries have piled up, roles have shifted on the fly, and yet Detroit keeps finding ways to win. But beneath the resilience, a critical concern is emerging — one that ESPN’s Mike Greenberg believes could derail the team if left unaddressed.
With former offensive coordinator John Morton no longer in place, head coach Dan Campbell has taken full control of the play-calling. It’s a bold move that has paid off statistically, helping the Lions to a 2–1 record with Campbell steering the offense. But the shift comes with complications, and Greenberg didn’t mince words when he pointed out the risk Detroit is now facing.
Greenberg Sounds the Alarm
During Detroit’s dramatic 34–27 comeback victory over the New York Giants, Greenberg saw something troubling. To him, the signs suggested that Campbell’s expanded responsibilities may be stretching him too thin — and it’s beginning to show in the areas where a head coach must be at his sharpest.
Detroit’s offense has surged, but in-game management? That’s where cracks are forming. Timeout usage, communication, and situational decision-making have become increasingly shaky. Greenberg’s takeaway was blunt: Campbell might be trying to juggle too much at once, and the Lions could soon pay the price for it.
A Critical Miscommunication Highlights the Issue
The most telling example came late in the fourth quarter against New York. With Jared Goff spiking the ball to stop the clock, the Lions inexplicably burned a timeout — despite the stoppage already being secured. It was a glaring mistake, one that fell squarely on the sideline.
Campbell’s postgame explanation did little to quiet concerns. Reflecting on the miscue, he admitted he simply couldn’t reach his quarterback through the usual communication channels, saying:
“So, the headset communication. I don’t know what happened with that to be honest with you. I just know I couldn’t get to (Jared Goff). I don’t know if something happened. I don’t know (with) the procedure of what goes on for me, from me to him. It was just one of those oddball weird deals where thank God it didn’t cost us.”
For Greenberg, it was the perfect example of what happens when a head coach is forced to split his focus. Calling plays requires near-total concentration. Managing a game requires the same. Doing both simultaneously? That’s where even the best can falter.
The Path Forward: Reinforcements Needed?
Campbell isn’t expected to give up offensive control — especially not with the offense showing real life under his leadership — but that doesn’t mean the current setup is sustainable. A consultant, an analyst, or a dedicated clock-management specialist could alleviate the pressure and help ensure no late-game decision swings a critical matchup.
The Lions are battling for positioning in a tightly packed NFC race. One mismanaged moment could become the difference between home-field advantage and a must-win road challenge, between momentum and heartbreak.
Right now, Campbell is doing everything he can to keep Detroit charging forward. But as the stakes rise, the Lions may need to protect their biggest asset from burning out. The head coach’s passion and intensity have been the heartbeat of this team — and ensuring he isn’t overloaded could be just as important as any roster move down the stretch.
If Greenberg’s warning proves accurate, Detroit will need to act fast. Because in the NFL, even the smallest error can loom large — especially when your head coach is doing two jobs at once.