The Detroit Lions have begun the 2025 NFL season with a 5-2 record. They have won five of their last six games, and in the game they lost, the Lions dealt with multiple injuries in the secondary on the road against Patrick Mahomes.
But Dan Campbell’s message in his opening statement during his press conference after the team’s bye week was rather simply — the Lions can be even better.
“I really believe we haven’t played our best ball yet, collectively, in all three phases, and that’s really what we’re trying to get to here is how we can sharpen ourselves,” Campbell told reporters. “We know it’s going to take every phase.
“Every game is different and one unit may have to pick up the slack, but we have to play complete ball across the board.”
Campbell stressed the team has to keep getting better to keep up with the other teams in the race. One of those teams is the Minnesota Vikings, who the Lions will face on November 2 in Week 9.
Dan Campbell Continues to Stress Complimentary Football
Detroit’s success over the past few years has largely been behind an elite offense. But to begin the 2025 season, Campbell seems to have gone out of his way to stress all three phases.
The Lions have responded. They are ranked eighth in total offense and overall defense. The Lions are also third in points scored and 11th in points allowed.
On special teams, Kalif Raymond has returned a punt for a touchdown. Kicker Jake Bates has made all of his attempts inside of 50 yards.
But as is typical during NFL bye weeks, Campbell and his coaching staff conducted self-scouting. With that, the Lions have found new things to correct.
“I really believe you tighten a screw here, you tighten a belt and all of a sudden this thing is running like a well-oiled machine,” Campbell said. “So, just a couple of things, that’s all.
“So, easily correctable things that we can do better. And I’m talking about coaches and players, myself, all of us.”
Lions to Host Minnesota Vikings Following Bye Week
Campbell mentioned the Vikings right after talking about teams that are in the race with the Lions. But on November 2, the Lions will have the opportunity to put a lot of distant between themselves and the Vikings.
Minnesota has lost two straight and sits in last place of the NFC North. With a win, the Lions would move three games in front of the Vikings, who finished second in the division last year.
The Green Bay Packers lead the NFC North and have already defeated the Lions. But the Lions trail by only half a game, and the two teams will meet for a rematch on Thanksgiving in Detroit.
After hosting the Vikings, the Lions will go on the road for consecutive matchups in the NFC East. First, Detroit will visit the Washington Commanders and then the Philadelphia Eagles. Those two squads were the final two teams standing in the NFC last year.
Washington upset the Lions in the NFC divisional round last January.
The Lions will have a third straight NFC East matchup against the New York Giants before then facing the Packers on Thanksgiving.
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