ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised multiple players for their outstanding performances in a shocking victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, highlighting key contributions from both the offense and defense as the team prepares to host the Cleveland Browns and their vaunted defense.
Campbell mentioned on Tuesday (Sept. 23) tailback David Montgomery, Jared Goff, and Sam LaPorta, along with offensive linemen Taylor Decker, Christian Mahogany, Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, and Penei Sewell, for their strong play.
Campbell noted standout efforts from Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, Jahmyr Gibbs, Brock Wright, Aidan Hutchinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyleik Williams, Pat O’Connor, Tyler Lacy, D.J. Reader, Roy Lopez, Tyrus Wheat, Derrick Barnes, Trevor Nowaske, D.J. Reed Jr., Jack Campbell, Alex Anzalone, and Zach Cunningham.
Special teams players Rock Ya-Sin, Nowski, and O’Connor also made significant impacts.
4th quarter
Reflecting on the fourth quarter, Campbell emphasized the importance of key plays, including a critical fourth-and-one conversion capped by Sewell, St. Brown, and Gibbs scoring on that play, plus a sack by Barnes on third-and-13 that limited the Ravens to a field goal, and a forced fumble by Hutchinson that led to a turnover and points.
Campbell praised the offensive line’s protection and clutch plays by Goff and St. Brown in crunch time.
He described the game as a “good team win” with complementary football, where all units supported each other.
Impressive win
When asked about the significance of the win, Campbell said it showed the team’s ability to win different types of games against tough opponents.
Campbell praised Reed for effectively covering the Ravens’ top receiver, Zay Flowers, who ended the game with two catches for 13 yards.
He addressed questions about the Lions’ resilience despite coordinator changes, crediting the coaching staff’s preparation and the players’ response.
Campbell singled out defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and offensive coordinator John Morton for their strong work.
Defense
Highlighting Jack’s impact as a linebacker, Dan noted his high-level play and leadership, even as he played through a laceration during the game.
Hutchinson’s recovery from injury, Dan said, the Michigan Wolverines football legend was self-driven and resilient, making critical plays when it mattered most.
Dan explained defensive strategy adjustments, including riding the “hot hand” with Muhammad, who played with maximum effort and benefited from strong team coverage.
Offense
Regarding wide receiver Jameson Williams, Dan praised his blocking ability, especially on a key touchdown play involving Montgomery, noting the receiver’s pride in contributing to the run game.
Dan acknowledged offseason concerns about the offensive line and the new coordinators, but said the team’s performance showed improvement and progress, especially among the younger players.
He also commented on kicker Jake Bates’ attempt at a long field goal, appreciating his effort despite a miss.
On Montgomery’s performance, Dan affirmed Montgomery’s importance to the offense and praised the one-two punch with running back Gibbs.
Dan discussed offensive play-calling strategy, explaining how early plays are used to gauge defensive reactions and set up counters, emphasizing the importance of a strong running game as the foundation for effective play-calling.
Injury
Finally, Campbell provided a brief update on the injury status of running back Sione Vaki, who suffered a groin injury; more information is expected in the coming days.
“I don’t know. We will learn more in the coming day or two. He got his groin. I don’t know how bad it is really,” Dan said.
History
Dan acknowledged the upcoming challenge against Cleveland’s vaunted defense, backed by Myles Garrett, and noted the short week of preparation ahead.
Detroit leads the all-time series against the Browns, but the history between these two franchises includes four championship games, with the Lions’ last championship win coming in 1957.
The teams’ first significant matchups occurred in the 1950s, with both franchises frequently battling for league supremacy.
Detroit has won 19 of the 24 total games played between the two teams, although the Browns have won the most recent game, 13-10, inside Huntington Bank Field.
Here’s a fun fact: the Ravens were originally the Browns before they relocated from Cleveland to Baltimore in 1995, leading to a controversial decision where the city was able to retain the team name, while Charm City received the expansion team’s name.
With revenge on their minds, the Lions will host the Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, inside Ford Field at 1 p.m.
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