JUST IN: Lions fan base react to Dan Campbell decision to focuses on strong offensive play instead of struggling defense

DETROIT, MI (AP) — Coach Dan Campbell understands that his defense must start making plays if the Detroit Lions are to win their first playoff game since the 1990s.

On Monday, however, he was preoccupied with Detroit’s success on the offensive side of the ball.

After the bye, the Lions offense exploded for 533 yards in a 41-38 road victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Detroit has gained 1,019 yards, including 422 on the ground, in their last two games, including a 26-14 victory on Oct. 30.

“Coming off the bye, you want to know you haven’t lost your mojo or if it is going to take a little bit to get it back,” Campbell told reporters on Monday. “Especially when you’re on the road after a long journey.” So regaining our flow and finding a way to win was crucial.

“The offense took a step up, and while the defense took a step back, I know we’re about to take three steps up again.”

Campbell praised his offensive line specifically. They’ve only given up one sack in games against the Raiders and Chargers, while allowing Jahmyr Gibbs and, in Los Angeles, the returning David Montgomery to run.

“Ultimately, it was the five guys up front who really set the tone,” that’s what he said to me. “We need that; we tell them they’re the engine that drives us.” They checked every box in that game.”

Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson were able to diversify the offense with Montgomery’s return. He’s a power back with 4.7 yards per carry, and Gibbs adds outside speed and a significant receiving threat.

“It’s difficult to completely rely on one’s back,” Campbell said. “That’s a lot of hard miles to ask of a guy, 65 plays per game for 17 games plus the playoffs.” It’s preferable if you can share the workload, and they have different skill sets and can do different things. This gives us a little more leeway.”

WHAT IS SUCCESSIVE

The running game isn’t the only reason for Detroit’s offensive success. Jared Goff completed 23 of 33 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers, giving him a four-game passing average of 310.5 yards.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Goff’s top playmaker again this season, has four straight 100-yard games and is on pace for 130 catches and more than 1,600 yards. Josh Reynolds is a deep threat, and Sam LaPorta, a rookie tight end, is averaging five catches and 52.7 yards per game.

Even if the defense covers all of them and Gibbs, blocking tight end Brock Wright could get open for a 25-yard touchdown to help the Chargers beat them.

WHAT IS FAILING

While Detroit did win, its defensive flaws were obvious to anyone watching. The Chargers scored 35 points in the final 34 minutes of the game. Justin Herbert threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns, but he made a critical error.

“The positive on defense was getting one takeaway that changed the game,” he said. “Alex (Anzalone) got in his face, and Kerby (Joseph) makes a big interception.” That proved to be the game-changing factor.”

Even so, allowing 421 yards and 38 points isn’t going to win you many games, especially in January.

GET STOCKED

No NFL coach goes for it on fourth down as often as Campbell, so Riley Patterson often ends up kicking extra points after decades of Eddie Murray, Jason Hanson, and Matt Prater playing significant roles in Detroit’s offense.

On Sunday, however, he came off the bench and finished the game with a perfect 41-yard field goal on a day when the defense would have forced overtime.

STOCK REDUCTION

The Lions have had fewer than two sacks in four of their last five games, and they didn’t get any on Herbert on Sunday. Aidan Hutchinson had three hits, but Anzalone, a linebacker, had the other two.

Following a strong start, the Lions have struggled against the run, allowing more than 300 yards in three games.

INJURIES

The Lions suffered no major injuries in Los Angeles, and Graham Glasgow has filled in admirably at guard while Halapoulivaati Vaitai is out with a back injury.

NUMBER OF THE KEY

350 – The Lions have thrown for 350 yards in eight of their nine games, falling 13 yards short against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 22.

UPCOMING STEPS

Following their return from the West Coast, the Lions will play their first two NFC North home games in a five-day span. On Sunday, they face the Bears, and on Thanksgiving, they face the Packers. Even with two games remaining against the surging Vikings, two victories would give them a commanding lead in the division.