Dan Campbell Thrilled to Lose Sleep for Lions’ Overtime Win Over Rams

DETROIT (AP) — Dan Campbell found it difficult to sleep following the Detroit Lions’ exciting season opener on Sunday night.

The game against the Los Angeles Rams was intense, requiring overtime before the Lions emerged victorious with a 26-20 score. It concluded just before the clock struck midnight.

“It’s tough to get rest after any match, especially making it home at 1 or 2 AM,” Campbell shared on Monday afternoon. “Your mind races, reflecting on every detail that went right or wrong, and it makes sleeping impossible, regardless of how exhausted you feel.”

Defensive lineman Alim McNeill expressed an even later night, admitting he did not manage to sleep until 4 AM. He spent the night alternating between reviewing game film and binge-watching episodes of “Reba” on Netflix.

“He said what?” Campbell chuckled in response to McNeill’s evening routine. “I can relate to that as a former player. You replay every single play in your mind.”

Although the Lions are seen as potential Super Bowl contenders, their performance for much of the game did not reflect that expectation. They initially held a strong lead of 17-3 early in the third quarter. However, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford orchestrated a comeback at Ford Field.

Despite playing behind a struggling offensive line and missing key receiver Puka Nacua due to a knee injury, Stafford rallied the Rams to a 20-17 lead with a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp with just over four minutes remaining.

“Stafford, man, it feels like he thrives under pressure,” Campbell observed. “He keeps creating plays even when things get tough.”

The Rams had a chance to secure the victory when the Lions were held to three plays without gaining a yard. However, Stafford missed Kupp on a crucial pass that could have clinched the game for Los Angeles. With a new opportunity, Jared Goff seized the moment, leveraging a Rams penalty to move deep into their territory.

Jake Bates, known locally for his time with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers, connected on a clutch field goal to tie the game. In overtime, a lost coin toss by Stafford gave the Lions possession.

In that pivotal moment, Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson decided to rely heavily on David Montgomery. The experienced running back responded admirably, carrying the ball five times for 45 yards and scoring the winning touchdown from one yard out.

“You could just sense that David was ready to take control, and we knew he was our best bet to break through,” Campbell reflected.

The effectiveness of Detroit’s defensive front seven is worth noting, although much of their success may be attributed to the injuries plaguing the Rams’ offensive line. Stafford faced constant pressure throughout the game, with the Rams managing a meager 83 rushing yards on 23 attempts.

On the other hand, Detroit’s offense struggled to generate significant plays. Goff’s connection with Amon-Ra St. Brown, which was a highlight last season, was limited this time. St. Brown finished with only three catches for 13 yards, which is a statistic that needs improvement heading into their next matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

One player whose performance sparked excitement was Jameson Williams. Coaches, players, and fans alike have been waiting for Williams to showcase his skills, and he did just that, finishing the game with five receptions for 121 yards and a 52-yard touchdown catch.

Conversely, cornerback Terrion Arnold, the 24th draft pick, had a challenging first game. He was penalized for two pass interference calls during a critical stretch, including one at the Lions’ two-yard line and another in the end zone, which helped Stafford orchestrate his comeback.

Though the Lions left the game without significant injuries, they hope to have defensive tackle D.J. Reader back from a quadriceps injury for their upcoming game against the Buccaneers.

Looking at Stafford’s recent performance against his old team, he has racked up 1,018 passing yards in just three games against the Lions, tossing six touchdowns with only one interception. After the Rams won their first encounter in 2021, the Lions have triumphed in their last two meetings, including the latest clash on Sunday.

The Lions now prepare for another challenging rematch against the Buccaneers, reminiscent of their unlikely playoff run from January.