The Detroit Lions were back to work at the Meijer Performance Center Monday fresh off their Week 5 bye and ready to kick off a tough stretch of games with four of their next five on the road starting Sunday in Dallas against the Cowboys.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media Monday to kick off the work week. Here are all the key questions to come from Campbell's media session:
How are the Lions health-wise coming out of the bye?
All-Pro center Frank Ragnow (pec) and safety Brian Branch (illness) didn't take part in Detroit's Week 4 win over the Seahawks. But with a week to rest and recover thanks to the bye week, Campbell said both Ragnow and Branch took part in a light practice Monday. That's certainly a good sign for both players and their availability for Sunday in Dallas.
Why is Sunday a big game in the Campbell household?
Not only did Campbell grow up in Texas as a Cowboys fan, but he also played for the Cowboys from 2003-05. Beyond that history, Campbell said he's excited for Sunday because the Cowboys have had Detroit's number of late, and certainly for how last year's game ended with the whole declaring eligible fiasco.
It's also a good opportunity for Detroit to get a road win against a conference opponent that could have playoff implications down the road. Sunday's game is also the early national television slot at 4:25 p.m. on Fox, so the entire nation will be watching.
How does a team keep their rhythm coming out of the bye?
That's a question Campbell and the rest of the coaching staff is tasked with answering this week. Campbell was asked it Monday, and I thought his response was a good one.
"The emphasis really is still on improving," he said. "We have to improve. It's really about, 'Alright, we did some things on Monday night that was more what we're looking for.' So now, that's the floor. How do we continue to play even better than that? How do we clean up some of the things that got us in trouble in that game?"
This early in the season there is still a lot to clean up on and hone in on before this team really starts hitting their stride. That's certainly the hope at least.
Is Campbell surprised by the success of the NFC North after Week 5?
"I'm not surprised," he said. "I expected this."
The NFC North is the only division in football where all four teams have a winning record after Week 5, and all four teams also have a plus-20 point differential.
Campbell said he expects to be sitting here in another month with all four teams a game or two apart and the dogfight for the division title really kicking into high gear.
"I think it's going to be one of the toughest divisions and I felt that way going into this year," Campbell said. "I'm not shocked one bit. You don't want it any other way, really. I think that's awesome. It's a good thing. You get to duke it out with teams that are playing really good football. It's kind of exciting, honestly."
View some of the best photos through the first four weeks of the Detroit Lions 2024 season.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
The light show at Ford Field before a Sunday Night Football game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown in overtime during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) breaks up a pass during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks a field goal during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97), and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) walk out for the coin toss before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93), and Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) celebrates after a strip sack before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Fans during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) with fans during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) scrambles for a first down during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30), Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21), Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (29), Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0), and Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23), celebrate after an interception during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) laterals to Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Marcus Davenport (92) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) breaks up a pass during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Ford Field during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68), and Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93), Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
What did Campbell come out of the bye thinking he needed to improve the most?
He kept some of the overall themes they talked about as a coaching staff over the bye week close to the vest, but he did mention some communication issues between himself and the coaching staff.
"Communication on my part," Campbell said. "Overall communication. Particularly with the staff is where I can be much better."
That's as far as he elaborated. The one glaring mark for the Lions in that regard through four games was the end-of-half miscommunication between the offense and the field-goal unit against Tampa Bay Week 2 that cost them a chance at a field goal.
What are Campbell's early impressions of Dallas?
It's early in the game-planning process for Sunday, but some schematic differences between current Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and the defense the Lions faced in Week 17 last year under then-Dallas DC and current Washington head coach Dan Quinn has stood out to Campbell.
Last year they saw a lot of nickel and dime and multiple fronts. So far this season, Dallas plays more match personnel, according to Campbell, which has always been Zimmer's style.
"A little less chaotic," Campbell said. "But more sound, if you will. Just when you're watching it as an offense. I'm not saying what Dan Quinn did wasn't sound, that's not what I'm saying, it's just when you look at it from an offense, it's a little more sound and structured."
