**Detroit Lions React to Narrow 48-42 Loss Against the Buffalo Bills**
The Detroit Lions fell short in a high-scoring shootout against the Buffalo Bills, losing 48-42 on Sunday. Here’s a breakdown of what head coach Dan Campbell and the team had to say after the tough defeat.
### **Dan Campbell’s Opening Thoughts**
Campbell credited the Bills for their preparedness and sense of urgency, especially following their recent loss on the West Coast. However, he admitted the Lions didn’t match their intensity, taking responsibility for the team’s performance.
> “I didn’t have those guys ready to go… That’s on me,” Campbell said. “Against teams like the Bills, you can’t afford to give anything away, and we did. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but nothing changes—we still have to win next week.”
### **On Defensive Struggles**
The Lions’ defense struggled to contain Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense, a frustrating point for Campbell.
> “We had self-inflicted wounds… we helped them too much,” Campbell explained, emphasizing that discipline and execution were lacking. Injuries weren’t a sufficient excuse in his eyes:
> “We can be better. We should’ve been better. Their urgency was just higher than ours.”
### **On Josh Allen’s Mobility**
Allen’s ability to extend plays outside the pocket caused significant issues. Campbell acknowledged the challenge but noted the team’s failure to execute their game plan.
> “We knew what we needed to do, but we didn’t do it. He’s tough, no doubt about it, but we had opportunities and couldn’t capitalize.”
### **Critical Coaching Decisions**
Campbell defended his decision to attempt an onside kick, though it backfired and led to a quick Buffalo score.
> “Looking back, yeah, I wish I wouldn’t have done it, but it felt like the right call at the time.”
### **Offensive Performance**
Despite the loss, quarterback Jared Goff shined, throwing for 59 attempts and leading an explosive passing attack. Campbell praised Goff’s resilience:
> “He played top-notch… That’s a big ask for any quarterback, but he delivered.”
However, the Lions’ run game faltered for the second consecutive week, managing only 15 carries. Injuries to key players like David Montgomery also hindered offensive balance.
> “It’s not them; it’s us. We’re better than this, but we didn’t get it done,” Campbell admitted.
### **Injury Updates**
– **CB Khalil Dorsey:** Out for the season.
– **DL Alim McNeill and CB Carlton Davis III:** Unlikely to return this season, with further updates expected soon.
### **Playoff Readiness**
Despite the loss, Campbell dismissed concerns about the Lions’ playoff potential. Instead, he stressed the need for better preparation.
> “This game wasn’t about playoff readiness; it was about not being ready to win today. That’s on me, and we need to fix it.”
### **Looking Ahead**
Campbell acknowledged the frustration within the locker room but emphasized resilience:
> “Losing leaves a bad taste, but it’s about how you respond. We’ve got to bounce back and be ready for Chicago.”
The Lions now turn their focus to their upcoming matchup against the Bears, eager to regain momentum and keep their postseason hopes alive.