Dan Campbell: 'It's On Us' to Win

Dan Campbell has Allen Park brimming with an all-new optimism heading into training camp.

As the Detroit Lions commence their first practice of the new season, the 46-year-old Texas native is committed to building the team’s identity on toughness and grit.

He hopes that by embracing those values, they will find ways to turn last season’s close losses into victories this year. 

“Now, it’s up to us collectively to find a way to turn some of those losses from last year into wins,” Campbell said Wednesday. “You find a way to turn, to flip five or six of those games, all of a sudden, you’re right there. That, to me, is what this is all about. I think we have enough to compete, and now it’s on us to find a way to close out those games.”

The Lions finished 3-13-1 a season ago, dropping a handful of close games for various reasons. Now, however, many believe that if Detroit can turn its late-game fortunes around, the team could be destined for a playoff chase late in the season.

Detroit’s second-year coach, however, is stressing the need to find ways to win. At this stage, he’s about proving it.

“I feel good, we got the pieces here to mix it up with just about anybody,” Campbell said. “Now, it’s on us to find a way to win.”

Okudah ‘good to go’ and other injury updates

Jeff Okudah’s second professional season ended after just one game in 2021, as he suffered a torn Achilles in the Lions' season-opening loss to San Francisco.

Though Achilles' injuries take different amounts of time to heal for different people, the Lions are taking the restrictions off for the Ohio State product.

“He’s committed,” Campbell said of the now third-year corner. “He’s in a good place right now. We’re gonna get him some reps out there today. I think it’s just, if he looks good today, then he’s getting more tomorrow. And, if he looks good then  then he’s getting more day three. For the most part, we’re not putting any restrictions on him.

“He’s been good. As a matter of fact, we brought him in early because of the injury. He was with the rookies on the report date. You get the rookies, you get the injured vets. I don’t require those guys to be in football meetings or anything of that nature, and he wanted to be around. That’s a good sign.”

Formerly a top-three pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the pressure is now on Okudah to prove his worth in his third season. After playing just 10 games in his first two years, Detroit’s head coach admitted there is a sense of urgency surrounding the former top selection.

“He knows,” Campbell said. “Nobody wants it more than he does. He’s put in the work, he looks healthy and at this point, all you can do now is go to work, show what you got and continue to progress. Ultimately, that’s the thing here, he hasn’t got a ton of football under him, because of the injury.”

While the third-year cornerback is good to go, three of his teammates on defense will be out for the start of training camp.

Second-round pick Josh Paschal and veteran starter Romeo Okwara will both be sidelined, as the duo has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Second-year cornerback Jerry Jacobs was also put on the PUP list.

Campbell pointed out that Paschal was dealing with a sports hernia during the offseason and is being brought along slowly.

“Paschal had a sports hernia, essentially, a version of a sports hernia,” Campbell remarked. “So, that’s what he’s working with. He’s doing well, but it will be a little bit. He’s doing good, but that’s why he’s not out there.”

Okwara, meanwhile, is continuing his rehab from an Achilles' injury that was suffered in Week 4 in 2021 against the Chicago Bears.

“As you know with Achilles, everybody heals differently and at different rates,” Campbell said. “He’s progressing, but he’s on that trajectory. It’s just not as steep, but he’s doing well.”

Rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams was placed on the Non-Football Injury list, and will be brought along slowly.

“It’s not easy to be, when you’re a player like him and what he’s been and the type of athlete that he’s been,” Campbell noted. “He’s never really had to deal with this, so this is new to him. It’s not easy to look out there, and all those guys are running around and he knows what he can do and what he’s capable of. That can be frustrating, but we have a plan for him. He’s working, he’s progressing.”

Campbell on Year 2

Heading into his second season as the Lions’ head coach, the Texas native is still bringing the energy.

Campbell stole headlines last season for his antics and timely quips. His energy was authentic, as there is no disputing that he loves football and lets his emotions shine through.

Now in his second season, he’s still letting his emotion for the game show, as he gears up for training camp.

“I just try to be me,” Campbell said. “I’ve got a lot of energy, I’m excited, I’m enthusiastic. That’s just what comes out of me. I think that helps those guys. They believe me I guess, and they feel it and they react off that. That is how I am.”