Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is feeling *way* more optimistic about his squad this year at their bye week, even with a 3-2 record, than he was last year when they were sitting pretty at 5-2. That’s a wild take, right? Most coaches would kill for a better record, but Campbell sees something deeper going on. He’s looking at the big picture, saying, “In some regards, I feel better going into this bye than I even I did last year, because I know we’re ascending and we’re young and we’re growing, and that’s exciting.”
Last Year’s Numbers Were a Mirage
Campbell’s gut feeling about last year’s 5-2 start? It was right on the money. That hot start ultimately ended with a brutal 4-6 finish, proving those warning signs were legit. The biggest red flag was the running game. On the surface, it looked solid with 4.5 yards per carry (13th in the league) and 10 touchdowns (second overall) by the bye week. But dig a little deeper, and the efficiency just wasn’t there, clocking in at a mere 40.3% success rate, ranking them 19th. What happened? A few explosive runs were inflating those numbers, making it seem better than it actually was on a down-to-down basis. Campbell himself reflected on it, saying, “Sometimes you feel like you’re topped off and maybe you’re beginning to deteriorate because of issues, worn down, age, whatever it is.” Last year, they were topped off, not ascending.
This Year’s Grind is Real Growth
Fast forward to this year’s 3-2 record, with narrow wins over the Jets and Saints, and some tough losses to the Bills and Panthers. It doesn’t scream “optimism,” but Campbell is seeing genuine growth. The running game, while not having those huge, explosive plays, is way more efficient. They’re averaging a very similar 4.4 yards per carry (12th) and have eight touchdowns (tied for fifth), but their 46.2% rushing success rate ranks fourth-best in the league. That’s a massive jump in consistency. This efficiency is no accident. The Lions made major investments in their offensive line this offseason, moving on from veterans like Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. Now, it’s a youth movement up front with Penei Sewell (26), Christian Mahogany (26), Juice Scruggs (26), Tate Ratledge (25), and rookie Blake Miller (22) leading the charge. And when free agent Cade Mays returns to the lineup, he’ll be the “old man” at 27 years old!
It’s not just the big fellas up front, either. Detroit is leaning hard into its young talent across the roster. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs (24), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (23), rookie defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard (24), and linebacker Jack Campbell (26) are all stepping up. Keep an eye out for rookie defenders Derrick Moore and Jimmy Rolder, who are set for increased roles, and the return of Brian Branch, who turns 25 this week. These players aren’t just getting reps, they’re growing into their NFL careers and building crucial chemistry together. Campbell knows this is the real deal. He sees them “on the rise here,” and that’s exactly what you want from your young squad.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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