“Every team should have that. Every team should be like, “Man, what are you playing for?” You are playing for the Super Bowl. We’re no different from them.”
However, for decades, the Lions were a far cry from that. From 1994 to 2022, the Lions did not win a division title or playoff game, let alone compete for the Super Bowl. The franchise last won an NFL championship in 1957.
But after winning the NFC North and two postseason games in 2023-24, things have definitely shifted in Detroit.
Lions’ Dan Campbell declines to define ‘bust’
After Campbell stated that he didn’t understand what “bust” meant, a reporter attempted to clarify the concept as “nothing.” In other words, will the Lions’ other accomplishments in 2024-25 be meaningless until they win the Super Bowl?
Campbell gave a convoluted answer. However, he stated that each team in the league faces “Super Bowl or nothing” every year.
The Lions’ head coach then stated that his squad has modest aims to assist them reach the Super Bowl.
“We proceed backwards from there. “You have to set yourself up no differently than last year,” Campbell told reporters. “Certain things you’ve got to do to really make that valid, make that a reality.”
Campbell clearly stated that winning the NFC North and obtaining a high playoff seed was vital. Essentially, his club will do anything to put itself in the best possible position to win the Super Bowl.
“You have to give yourself the greatest odds possible. “You need to win the division and get the best seed possible,” Campbell added. “So, how do you do that?” Well, you have to start with where we are now.
“You’ve got to go back to work.” You’ve got to do all the little things, which our people have already done. They’ve been here for offseason workouts. They’re grinding, working, and we’re in terrific shape. We are strong, physical, and explosive, and we are only getting started.”
Are the Lions no longer the underdogs?
Campbell cautioned his squad right after the NFC championship game loss that the Lions would not be sneaking up on anyone next season. After winning the division and 14 games, including the playoffs, the Lions are demanding respect.
That is long overdue, according to quarterback Jared Goff. On April 7, Goff appeared on Willbo’s “Trading Cards” podcast and expressed dissatisfaction with his status as an underdog.
“Hello, people. We have a good crew. “We’ve had success,” Goff told co-hosts Robbie and Will McInerny. “We can be joyful about it, celebrate it, and stop writing about how we’re always the underdog. No, teams will be gunning for us now. We won the division, and all that.
Campbell and Goff appear to be prepared for clubs to pursue them, even if this means that their accomplishments will be less significant unless they win the Super Bowl.
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