At 12-1 heading into Week 15, no team has been playing better football than the Lions this season.
Now holding the top spot in the NFC and in control of the No. 1 seed, Detroit faces another big test on Sunday against Buffalo. Yet, the team has consistently risen to the occasion all season.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson attributes much of this success to head coach Dan Campbell’s steady approach week to week.
“Honestly, I haven’t seen any shift in his leadership style,” Johnson said on Thursday.
“What stands out this year compared to past seasons is how he’s embraced the high expectations.
For someone who hasn’t been in this position before, it’s remarkable. At first, I was nervous watching it unfold, but now I see it as a beautiful thing.
He knows his players, what they’re made of, and they’ve risen to the challenge.
They thrive on having the target on their backs, and I think Coach Campbell’s leadership is why we’re so well-prepared each week.
“In previous years, we’d have an off game sprinkled in, but this year we haven’t really had that—or when we have, we’ve managed to overcome it and win.
So, while his approach hasn’t changed, it’s been incredible to see him embrace these expectations and say, ‘Let’s go.’”
Johnson also noted that Campbell’s confidence has positively impacted the entire coaching staff.
“Personally, early in the week, I’m usually a bit anxious about reviewing all the film and seeing how practices go,” Johnson said.
“By the end of the week, I feel confident, and then Campbell walks into our first staff meeting and says, ‘We’re going to get after these guys.’
That confidence alleviates any lingering anxiety. He already has a clear vision of how the game will play out across all three phases.
“So yeah, he lifts all of us.”
That energy has clearly paid off, with the Lions entering Week 15 ranked first in points scored and second in points allowed.
Sunday’s matchup against one of the AFC’s best, the Bills, will reveal if they can maintain their dominance.