By Moses Joshua 
Detroit finishes 2025 with grit, pride, and a message for the future after a hard-fought Week 18 win at Soldier Field.
The Detroit Lions may not be playing into January, but they refused to let their season fade quietly. Sunday’s 19–16 victory over the Chicago Bears wasn’t just a line in the standings — it was a statement about character, accountability, and the standard Dan Campbell still expects in Detroit.
After the game, Campbell met with reporters and delivered one of his most revealing press conferences of the year, laying bare both his frustration and his belief in the team’s core.
“That’s the Way to Finish”: Pride in a Team That Didn’t Fold
Even after being eliminated from playoff contention, Campbell said he never doubted the effort he’d get from his locker room.
“Good win by the guys. Proud of them. That’s the way to finish,” he said. “It’s not always the easiest thing — you get eliminated, you’re back out in the elements, playing a team that’s already clinched… But our guys fought from the beginning.”
The Lions built a two-score lead, watched Chicago claw back, and still didn’t blink.
“Even when they came back — we were up two scores — our guys didn’t bat an eye,” Campbell added. “We were able to finish it out, and it was really one of the best games we’ve played in terms of complimentary football.”
Setting the Tone: Defense First, Discipline Always
For Campbell, the blueprint was simple: stop the run, get off the field, and don’t allow Chicago to settle in.
“That was big… you have to stop the run,” he said. “We were able to get off the field. They didn’t get those explosive runs. Maybe a seven-yard gain here or there, but then we’d get two more stops and force a punt.”
Those early three-and-outs changed the flow of the afternoon.
“The three-and-outs were big. And then we controlled it on offense — long drives, clock control,” he said. “That was big for our defense — they really set the tone for the day. Complimentary football.”
Jared Goff, Third Downs, and a Clock-Control Clinic
While the defense kept Chicago in check, Campbell credited the offense — and especially his quarterback — for closing the door.
“Third down was really good for us. Protection was great, and Goff was on it — pocket presence, awareness, getting rid of the ball, knowing where to go, processing everything,” he said.
He rattled off playmakers with the tone of a coach who finally saw all the pieces click together.
“Our playmakers made plays — Leaf, Jamo, Saint was huge again (when is he not?), Gibbs, even FK. We spread it around and Goff found them. It was a good job.”
The Anger Beneath the Win
The Lions finished 9–8 — a jarring drop after a 15–2 campaign just one season earlier. Campbell didn’t hide how much that stung.
“As good as it feels to get that win, let’s call it what it is — I’ve been pretty pissed all week,” he admitted. “It’s a bad feeling. We’re going to be sitting at home watching everyone else in the playoffs. That fuels you. We don’t want to be in that spot again next year. You’ve got to get in.”
Still, he believes the disappointment can become something productive.
“I believe things happen for a reason — right, wrong, or indifferent,” he said. “It’s up to Brad and I to make it for the best — and the guys we know we’re going to count on.”
What It Means Moving Forward
Campbell’s final takeaway wasn’t about schemes or stat lines — it was about trust.
“I think it reaffirmed what I already believed. The guys I knew we could count on — they showed up again,” he said. “I still believe the nucleus of this team is right. But we’re going to need to make a few changes.”
Detroit may be done for the year, but the tone has already been set for 2026.
No playoffs.
No excuses.
And no hiding from the standard Dan Campbell just made clear.