Dan Campbell makes it clear how the NFL feels about the Lions
Opinions on the Detroit Lions this offseason are varying. Some analysts feel like the Lions are a legitimate threat to win the NFC North and make a deal playoff run. Others think the hype for Detroit is being overblown and the Lions will actually take a step back in 2023. The NFL is not among […]
Opinions on the Detroit Lions this offseason are varying.
Some analysts feel like the Lions are a legitimate threat to win the NFC North and make a deal playoff run.
Others think the hype for Detroit is being overblown and the Lions will actually take a step back in 2023.
The NFL is not among those who think the Lions are going to take a step back.
Now, the NFL, of course, isn't going to publicly talk about how good they think a team will or won't be. But they showed how they feel about Detroit via their decision to pit the Lions against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 NFL kickoff game (the first Thursday night game of the season).
Lions head coach Dan Campbell made sure to point out after the schedule reveal this week that the NFL obviously feels like Detroit can hold its own against the defending Super Bowl champions.
Campbell appeared on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" after the schedule release and he revealed that he's thrilled to be playing on Thursday night in Week One before pointing out that the Lions are perceived as a team that will be competitive against the Chiefs.
"Because you get good work in, you play that game, you get 10 days to recover, game plan, get ready for the next opponent," said Campbell while discussing why he likes playing in the kickoff game.
"And not only that, but we get Kansas City, the heavyweight champ. So we're excited," continued Campbell. "I can't [even] tell you. The staff's excited. I know our players are excited. I think everybody wants an opportunity to play the champ and see where you stack up. I know what Andy Reid's about. We know what that team's about. Highly competitive, they're a champ. Year in and year out, they're gonna be in the running. We're looking forward to it. It's gonna be great."
"Certainly we're beginning to get noticed," added Campbell. "That's what it means. Now, I'll say this — here's my first thought, if I'm being totally honest with you, as to why they would give us Kansas City. OK, well you finished the year a certain way, but it also means they're betting on we won't get our ass kicked, alright? You may get beat, but you're not getting your ass kicked. That's what they're saying."
There's definitely a buzz around the Lions. And if they can take down the Chiefs in Week one, that buzz will intensify. There weren't many expectations placed on the Lions last season — especially after their 1-6 start to the season. It'll be interesting to see how they respond to pressure in 2023.
And their response will tell us plenty about the future of the Lions under Campbell.
