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Campbell says the Lions’ first loss in three months is no reason to get upset and offers the next step
By LARRY LAGE
The News Service of America
ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions haven’t lost in three months.
Coach Dan Campbell said on Monday, “Now is not the time to freak out, panic, and act like things are worse than they are.”
Campbell doesn’t like that Detroit lost by six points to the AFC East winner Buffalo Bills at home after giving up 48 points.
“Losing is one thing, but the way we lost makes you feel bad,” he said.
After beating Buffalo 11 times in a row, Detroit (12-2) lost more games than its club record.
Running back David Montgomery, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, cornerback Carlton Davis, and star special teams player Khalil Dorsey are now all hurt for the Lions.
Both Montgomery and McNeill, two of the team’s best players, hurt their knees in the loss to the Bills, Campbell said. They will need surgery to end their seasons. It was the end of Dorsey’s season because he broke his leg against Buffalo on Sunday night. Davis will be out for a long time because he hurt his mouth.
On Sunday, the Lions play at Chicago. They are still trying to protect their NFC North title and get the top seed in the league playoffs.
There will be a lot of articles about the sky falling, but Jared Goff said, “Inside, we’re good.” He said this after throwing for 494 yards and five touchdowns, which was the team record and a career high. “We would have loved to win every game until the Super Bowl.”
“I hope we can learn from this loss and use what we learned to help us win the next three games before the playoffs.”
The Lions will play at San Francisco the next week after going on the road to play the Bears. They will then finish the season at home against foe Minnesota, with the division title possibly on the line.
How does it work?
Scores. For the fifth time, the NFL’s top scoring team scored 40 or more points, which tied the record set by the 1952 team.
What needs help?
Speed up the offense. The Lions didn’t have a great chance of coming back to beat Buffalo, but they didn’t feel rushed on their 16-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a touchdown to get within six points.
“You have no reason to do that,” Campbell said. “We’ll talk about that.”
Get enough
Tim Patrick. After letting Josh Reynolds go free, Detroit didn’t know who would be its third wide receiver. Patrick has been the answer. He missed two seasons because of injuries, but now he has 31 catches for 379 yards and three scores, all in the last two games.
Put your stock down
Big Frank Ragnow. It was called twice on the three-time Pro Bowl center against Buffalo. He was also on an offensive line that didn’t make many holes for running backs and let Goff get sacked three times after only letting two sacks happen in the previous two games.
An injury
It’s possible that Montgomery, McNeill, and Dorsey’s season-ending injuries will have a huge effect.
As Campbell put it, “Nobody cares.” “No one is going to let us off the hook or raise an eyebrow over your record.”
Number of the key
8. McNeill will be the eighth Lions defensive tackle to be put on injured reserve. This is the list that no one wants to be on.
What to do next
Campbell is going to make his team go through some pretty tough practices this week to see who can step in for McNeill and Davis, who are both hurt.
Published the first time on December 16, 2024, at 9:46 p.m. EST
After the game between the Bills and Lions, Dan Campbell makes a daring Admission
The day’s most exciting game was played in Detroit, where the Buffalo Bills defeated the Lions 48–42 in a shootout, the season’s highest-scoring contest.
While Detroit fell to 12-2, now tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 1 spot in the NFC, Buffalo dominated the game from beginning to end, moving to 11-3.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Lions’ primary worry is the growing number of injuries on the defensive end of the ball. The absence of important players week after week is starting to wear on a team that has been put to the test all year.
Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions, made a daring statement after the game, accepting responsibility for the loss, but he still had faith in his team’s capacity to win.
Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions, made a daring statement after the game, accepting responsibility for the loss, but he still had faith in his team’s capacity to win.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 16, 2024
Throughout the game, Campbell made a number of dubious choices. For example, with 12 minutes left, he tried an onside kick, which the Bills recovered within the 10-yard line, allowing for an easy score.
Even if these bold decisions might occasionally backfire, they have also contributed significantly to Detroit’s success this season and to the Lions’ 11-game winning run, which ended on Sunday.
In the future, the Lions will play the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears to wrap out their regular season. The NFC North championship and maybe the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the NFC might be decided by these games. The Vikings (11-2) will play the Bears on Monday night in an attempt to improve to 12-2.
In the 2025 NFL mock draft, the Detroit Lions get some offensive line help…
According to ESPN Insider Field Yates’ 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions are expected to choose Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson with the 32nd overall choice in the first round. This selection makes sense for a squad that has prioritized a tough, unselfish attitude and wishes to continue laying a solid foundation up front.
A good fit for the Lions’ offensive line needs.
Yates explained why Jackson may be the ideal pick for Detroit, especially considering the Lions’ current offensive line problem. “The Lions want for strong, unselfish athletes. “Jackson fits the bill,” Yates wrote. “He is one of the best guards in college football, but he moved to left tackle to replace Simmons for Ohio State this season, playing more than half of his plays out of position. His desire to play a new position speaks loudly about his draft prospects, and he would benefit Detroit as it looks to the future on the interior offensive line.”
This adaptability is a major reason why Jackson would be such an asset to the Lions. Although he is typically a guard, his ability to play left tackle illustrates his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever necessary. With the Lions concentrating on developing a line that can protect their quarterback while also opening up holes in the running game, Jackson’s tenacity and selflessness make him an excellent match.
Detroit’s Aging Guards: The Need for Future Planning
Yates also mentioned that the Lions’ main guards, Graham Glasgow (32) and Kevin Zeitler (34) are getting up there in years. While both have been valuable players to Detroit, the team must begin planning for the future on the offensive line. Adding a guy like Jackson would assure that the Lions have a young, talented guard ready to come in and make an instant impact, while also offering a long-term answer as the club continues to grow around quarterback Jared Goff.
Jackson’s ability to solve an urgent need while also growing into a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive line offers the Lions a promising future. Jackson’s abilities and versatility would benefit an already strong offensive line, whether he starts right away or adds depth as he adjusts to the NFL.
Building for the Future with Jackson.
Donovan Jackson is a huge step in ensuring that Detroit’s offensive line stays a dominant force in the league for the foreseeable future. He is precisely the sort of player the Lions have been looking for in previous selections, with a combination of toughness, flexibility, and selflessness. Jackson’s pick at No. 32 would be a wise decision for the Lions to develop a club capable of long-term success in the NFC.
W. G. Brady
W.G. Brady is a Detroit-based writer who has spent several years covering the city’s sports scene for Detroit Sports Nation. He is in his early thirties and has extensive expertise in the field. W.G. has built a reputation as a respected and informed writer, best recognized for his in-depth coverage of Detroit’s clubs and sportsmen. With a strong eye for detail and a passion for sports, W.G. has established himself as a go-to source for fans and readers seeking the most recent news and opinion on the Detroit sports scene. He has a strong reputation in the sports community and is known for his objective coverage of sporting events. W.G. is well-known for his ability to discover hidden tales and offer new insights on the teams and individuals he covers. He has a strong awareness of Detroit and its sports culture, which he utilizes to shape his reporting and commentary. He is a renowned writer in the Detroit sports world.
BREAKING: The NFL has given a warning and fined Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur $35,000 for misconduct after he screamed “f*** you” three times following a personal foul call against the Detroit Lions featuring Jared Goff.
NFL Fines Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur $35,000 for Sideline Outburst
The National Football League (NFL) has issued a stern warning and fined Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur $35,000 following an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct during the Packers’ recent game against the Detroit Lions. The altercation occurred in response to a controversial personal foul penalty involving Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
The Incident
The heated moment unfolded during a pivotal point in the game. After a penalty was called on a Packers defensive player for unnecessary roughness against Goff, LaFleur was visibly furious. Cameras and microphones caught LaFleur shouting “f*** you” three times in the direction of the officials. The outburst was broadcast live, drawing significant attention and prompting the league’s swift response.
While emotions often run high in competitive games, the NFL enforces strict rules regarding sideline behavior, particularly when it comes to interactions with officials. LaFleur’s actions were deemed a breach of the league’s code of conduct.
NFL’s Response
In a statement released on Thursday, the NFL confirmed the fine and issued a warning to LaFleur, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and respect on the field. The league’s statement read:
“The NFL holds its coaches, players, and staff to the highest standards of sportsmanship. Any conduct that undermines the integrity of the game or disrespects officials will not be tolerated.”
Packers’ Reaction
The Green Bay Packers organization has not yet issued an official statement, but sources close to the team suggest that LaFleur has privately addressed the incident with his staff and players. Speaking to reporters during a post-game interview, LaFleur expressed frustration over the penalty but refrained from directly commenting on his behavior or the fine.
“I’m passionate about this team and protecting my players,” LaFleur said. “That being said, I need to hold myself to a higher standard, and I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Fan and Media Reactions
The incident has sparked mixed reactions across social media and sports talk shows. While some fans defended LaFleur’s emotional response as a sign of his commitment to the team, others criticized the head coach for setting a poor example.
Looking Ahead
This incident marks the first major conduct-related fine for LaFleur, who has been known for his usually calm demeanor on the sidelines. As the Packers push toward the postseason, maintaining discipline both on and off the field will be crucial for the team.
The NFL’s decision serves as a reminder to all teams and coaching staff that professionalism remains paramount, even in the heat of competition. Whether this incident impacts LaFleur’s leadership in the coming weeks remains to be seen.
The fan who went viral for his cheese grater hat was offered tickets by the Lions, but he declined for a very good reason…
There won’t be a big supporter of the Detroit Lions when they play the Packers on “Thursday Night Football.”
The devotion of this fan paid off.
For his bravery in being behind enemy lines during the Detroit Lions’ first game against the Green Bay Packers (Week 9), Lions supporter David Bodine became viral on the internet. Cheeseheads, or Packers supporters, are notorious for wearing the dairy product on their heads. Bodine, 35, responded by wearing a cheese grater to the game.
The Lions won 24–14, but they will need Bodine again tonight. The Lions are vying for a postseason spot on “Thursday Night Football” against the Packers, and everyone in Detroit wants Bodine to be present.
I am, unfortunately, not going to make the game tonight. But I’ll be watching from home with my Graterhead on. https://t.co/WuBaODYdd8
— David Bodine (@dbodine3) December 5, 2024
In order to find out more about Bodine and his obsession, the Detroit Free Press managed to locate him. His tale, of course, just serves to increase the fan’s likeability.
“My wife and I have been attending Lions-Packers games together for years because she is a Packers fan,” Bodine told the news organization. Bodine went on to say that his wife, Sarah, always dons the renowned foam cheese hat, while he wears the cheese grater cap.
The organization gave the pair tickets to tonight’s game because Bodine is now well-known among Lions fans. Regretfully, the Bodine family will not be present.
See, this is why the @Lions are awesome.
I’m still not able to make the game, though. It’s a 10-hour drive in good conditions – and we’ve been hammered with ~35” of snow in the last few days.
But my dog, Copper, and I will just have to cheer a little bit louder. https://t.co/pT4zH4YOb6 pic.twitter.com/aTuqedJfuc
— David Bodine (@dbodine3) December 5, 2024
At the moment, the Bodines reside in Hancock, Michigan, around ten hours from Detroit. David said in his most recent X post that although things are going well, the drive is still too long and that his town has been “hammered with 35 [inches] of snow in the last few days.” However, Bodine stated that if someone could provide him with a ride in a private aircraft, he would be willing to attend the game.
See, this is why the @Lions are awesome.
I’m still not able to make the game, though. It’s a 10-hour drive in good conditions – and we’ve been hammered with ~35” of snow in the last few days.
But my dog, Copper, and I will just have to cheer a little bit louder. https://t.co/pT4zH4YOb6 pic.twitter.com/aTuqedJfuc
— David Bodine (@dbodine3) December 5, 2024
Let’s wait and see whether the Lions organization can come up with a solution. Both sides have a lot on the line in the interim. The Packers are two games behind the Minnesota Vikings, who are only one game behind the Lions. If the Lions defeat the Packers on “TNF,” they will secure both a postseason berth and the head-to-head tiebreaker. To have a chance of leaving the NFC North, the Packers would need to defeat the Vikings in their second meeting, although a Packers victory would split their head-to-head games.

Dan Campbell of Lions hilariously responds to Dan Campbell Lookalike Contest in the Motor City
One Detroit Lions player became ill to his stomach in the middle of a post-game statement following a significant Thursday Night Football triumph.
Thanks to a walk-off, game-winning field goal from kicker Jake Bates, the Lions had just finished upsetting the division foe Green Bay Packers and would be moving to 12-1 on the season.
Campbell had started addressing the squad in the locker room following the game when backup offensive lineman Dan Skipper started to throw up.
In the speech, Campbell said, “Offense that’s a way to step up, man, that’s a way to step up – there you go, Skip, keep throwin’ up! Whatever your current activity over there. That’s how you frickin’ lay it on the line.
The camera moved to Skipper hunching down and appearing red in the face as his friends laughed alongside.
Campbell grabbed it in stride and carried on his speech to the team: “Guys, I’m so frickin’ proud of you dude. That’s your mode of showing up. You mention pressure? Every day we live under strain.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell had his post-game speech interrupted by a player

Offensive lineman Dan Skipper was seen throwing up after a hard-fought win over Green Bay
Detroit trailed twice against Green Bay and worked their way out of it to secure the victory.
When they gifted the Packers consecutive touchdowns, they first squandered a 17-7 halftime lead. They eventually broke free from that jam leading 24 to 21 entering the last quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, Green Bay would once more lead, until Detroit answered with a score.
With over three-and- a- half minutes left, the Packers would kick a field goal to give Detroit the ball back with the game tied.
They drove down the field in eleven plays, setting up a 35-yard field goal for Bates, who easily completed it.
Detroit has won their previous eleven games consecutively into their last four games before to the playoffs.
Next Sunday will be Buffalo Bills.
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