Dan Campbell is absolutely stoked about the Lions’ call to skip joint practices this offseason. The head coach made it super clear last Wednesday that going without them was “just what the doctor ordered” for his squad, a big move right before they wrapped up their 2026 NFL preseason slate against the Indianapolis Colts last Saturday.
Campbell’s Conviction: Why This Year Was Different
Campbell was quick to clarify that this isn’t some permanent ditching of joint practices. He’s totally open to bringing them back in 2027 if “the right partner” comes along and it “just makes sense.” But for 2026? He felt it was exactly what his team needed. “This is right for this year. This felt right, and I’m glad we did it,” he said. You gotta respect a coach who knows his team’s pulse like that, making a tailored decision instead of just following the crowd.
Standing Alone: The Unconventional Path
The Lions weren’t entirely alone in this, but they were definitely in the minority. Only four NFL teams, including Detroit, decided to forego joint practices this offseason. The Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers were the others who went their own way. Coming off their final preseason game where they beat the Indianapolis Colts 25-16 at Lucas Oil Stadium, it looks like Campbell’s decision might have paid off, giving them exactly what they needed heading into the real battles.
The regular season is right around the corner. With Campbell feeling good about their unique preseason prep, all eyes are on how this unconventional approach translates when the games truly count.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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