Die Detroit Lions sind am Montag im Meijer Performance Center wieder ins Training eingestiegen, frisch erholt nach ihrer Bye-Week in Woche 5. Jetzt steht eine harte Phase mit vier der nächsten fünf Spiele auswärts an, beginnend am Sonntag in Dallas gegen die Cowboys.
Headcoach Dan Campbell gab am Montag eine Pressekonferenz zum Start in die neue Trainingswoche. Hier sind die wichtigsten Fragen und Antworten:
Wie sieht es gesundheitlich bei den Lions nach der Bye-Week aus?
Der All-Pro-Center Frank Ragnow (Brustmuskel) und Safety Brian Branch (Krankheit) konnten im Sieg in Woche 4 gegen die Seahawks nicht mitwirken. Dank der Bye-Week und einer zusätzlichen Ruhephase haben jedoch beide am Montag an einem leichten Training teilgenommen. Das ist ein gutes Zeichen für ihre Verfügbarkeit am Sonntag in Dallas.
Warum ist das Spiel am Sonntag für Campbell persönlich besonders?
Campbell wuchs in Texas auf und war Cowboys-Fan. Zudem spielte er von 2003 bis 2005 für Dallas. Aber es geht um mehr als nur diese persönliche Geschichte – die Cowboys hatten in letzter Zeit häufig die Oberhand gegenüber den Lions, und Campbell denkt besonders an das umstrittene Ende des letzten Aufeinandertreffens. Es ist eine wichtige Gelegenheit für Detroit, einen Auswärtssieg gegen einen Conference-Gegner zu holen, der später in der Saison Einfluss auf die Playoff-Chancen haben könnte.
Wie kann das Team nach der Bye-Week seinen Rhythmus beibehalten?
Eine Frage, die Campbell und sein Trainerstab diese Woche intensiv beschäftigen wird. Campbell antwortete darauf am Montag mit einer klaren Strategie: "Es geht weiterhin darum, uns zu verbessern. Wir müssen besser werden. Wir haben am Montagabend einige Dinge gezeigt, die unserem Anspruch schon näher kommen. Jetzt müssen wir das als Basis sehen. Wie können wir noch besser spielen und die Fehler aus dem Spiel beheben?"
Noch früh in der Saison gibt es immer Details, an denen man arbeiten und den Fokus schärfen kann, bevor das Team seinen richtigen Rhythmus findet. Das ist jedenfalls die Hoffnung.
Ist Campbell überrascht vom Erfolg der NFC North nach Woche 5?
"Ich bin nicht überrascht", sagte er. "Das habe ich erwartet."
Die NFC North ist derzeit die einzige Division in der NFL, in der alle vier Teams nach Woche 5 eine positive Bilanz und eine Punktedifferenz von über +20 haben. Campbell rechnet fest damit, dass in einem Monat alle Teams der Division nur ein oder zwei Spiele auseinander liegen und der Kampf um den Titel auf Hochtouren laufen wird.
"Ich glaube, das wird eine der härtesten Divisionen, und das habe ich schon vor der Saison gedacht", so Campbell weiter. "Es ist aufregend, ehrlich gesagt. Man kämpft gegen Teams, die wirklich gut spielen. Das ist schon etwas Besonderes."
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)
Was wollte Campbell aus der Bye-Week mitnehmen, woran das Team am meisten arbeiten sollte?
Campbell hielt einige der allgemeinen Themen, die im Trainerstab besprochen wurden, unter Verschluss, erwähnte jedoch Kommunikationsprobleme zwischen ihm und den anderen Coaches.
"Kommunikation meinerseits. Die allgemeine Kommunikation – vor allem mit dem Staff – kann ich deutlich verbessern", sagte Campbell.
Ein Beispiel für diese Problematik war das Missverständnis am Ende der ersten Halbzeit im Spiel gegen Tampa Bay in Woche 2, das ihnen die Chance auf ein Field Goal kostete.
Was sind Campbells erste Eindrücke von Dallas?
Die Vorbereitung für Sonntag läuft noch, aber Campbell sieht bereits einige taktische Unterschiede zwischen dem aktuellen Cowboys-Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer und der Dallas-Defense aus Woche 17 der letzten Saison unter dem damaligen DC Dan Quinn, der jetzt Head Coach in Washington ist.
Letztes Jahr sah man viel Nickel- und Dime-Personnel und unterschiedliche Formationen. In dieser Saison setzt Dallas laut Campbell mehr auf Match-Personnel, was schon immer Zimmers Stil war.
"Ein bisschen weniger chaotisch," meinte Campbell. "Aber strukturell gefestigter. Das ist zumindest der Eindruck, den man als Offense bekommt. Nicht, dass Dan Quinns Ansatz schlecht war, aber jetzt wirkt es ein wenig geordneter und durchdachter."
