On this episode of the Twentyman in the Huddle podcast presented by Microsoft, Tim Twentyman previews the Lions' final regular season matchup with the Minnesota Vikings visiting Ford Field for the battle of the NFC North title and No. 1 seed. First, Tim welcomes NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico, who will be on the call for Sunday Night Football this weekend. Mike discusses his expectations of the atmosphere inside Ford Field Sunday and reflects on the environment for Detroit's playoff games vs. the Rams and Buccaneers last season. Mike also shares his thoughts on the quarterback journeys of Sam Darnold and Jared Goff, the respective cultures built by Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell and Detroit head coach Dan Campbell, and the matchup between the Lions' offense and Vikings' defense. Mike also gives his opinion on the current structure of playoff seeding. Next, Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell joins the show to discuss Sunday's showdown and why having playoff game experience from last season can have an impact vs. Minnesota. He also talks about the in-game communication with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, what the Pro Bowl alternate recognition means to him, and matching up against the Vikings' offense. Finally, Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune calls in from Minneapolis to discuss the latest from the Vikings. Ben explains how Sunday's game is essentially a playoff game, why Sam Darnold is playing his best football as of late and the effect of complementary players like Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. Ben provides an injury update and discusses the success of Minnesota's defense and what Sam Darnold's future will be as a free agent this offseason. Stay tuned for more postgame coverage of Lions-Vikings following Sunday evening's game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan!
Highlights include:
- :13: Mike Tirico talks Ford Field atmosphere, franchise culture and QB journeys
- 19:05: Jack Campbell on preparing for the Vikings, communicating with Aaron Glenn
- 28:21: Ben Goessling shares all the latest from the Minnesota Vikings
