Dan Campbell Expects ‘Rowdy’ Home Crowd
At the Detroit Lions’ open practice at Ford Field in August, new Lions head coach Dan Campbell likened the impact of fans to that of gasoline on a fire. He spoke about fans having a good time, enjoying the game and using their noise to fuel the players on the field.
“Let me tell you something, we’re gonna bring the firewood, and we’re gonna light the flame,” Campbell said in August. “But, you guys know, at some point, it gets late in the night, man, and you really want to see the show and see how high you can get this thing to burn. You’ll douse it with gasoline, and that’s what we need from you.”
Speaking with the media Wednesday, Campbell reinforced his stance on fans in Ford Field, leading up to the Lions' season opener Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.
“I would say the message is, your energy feeds our energy,” Campbell said. “Last year, there was so much of an emphasis on creating your own energy because you had to. To know that you’re gonna be back in front of your home fans, they’re eager, they’re anxious, they’re ready to go. I think that just gives you that much more of a little bit of a boost.”
Campbell also said the energy of the crowd can fuel players in big situations, especially on third downs.
“I think there is such a thing as a home-field advantage,” Campbell said. “When you can’t hear out there and you can’t communicate properly, mistakes get made (by) your opponent. I’m looking for a rowdy house. I expect them to be loud, and I expect us to give them something to be loud about.”
Campbell ‘very excited’ to see offensive line in action
After drafting Penei Sewell seventh overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, optimism swelled around Detroit’s offensive line. Many believe the team has one of the best young cores on the interior in the league.
On Sunday, Sewell will make his official debut, and Campbell will get to watch his offensive line in action together. There will be no more limited reps.
“I’m really excited,” Campbell said. “I love those guys. I think it’s a damn good group. I think it’s a steady group. I think it’s a group we can hang our hat on.”
In years past, the Lions' offense has been designed around throwing the ball around the field. However, with Matthew Stafford gone and Jared Goff now under center, the passing game may not be what it has been.
This means Detroit will have to commit more to the run game, placing a heavy emphasis on the guys up front and their performance.
“We’re gonna put a lot on ‘em,” Campbell said. “Both in the run game and in our pass protection. So, they gotta hold up for us. But, I trust those guys.”
Kevin Bastin returns as athletic trainer
When Campbell elected to cut ties with head athletic trainer Dave Granito in August, many wondered what direction he’d go with the training staff. Moves like that are not typically made in-season.
Assistant athletic trainer Tom Colt held the position in the interim, but Campbell announced Wednesday that former Lions head athletic trainer Kevin Bastin will be returning in the same position.
Bastin previously held the position under Detroit’s two previous head coaches, Jim Caldwell and Matt Patricia.
“We’re fortunate to get him back,” Campbell said. “He’s an outstanding athletic trainer. Got high values, and he cares about the players. And, he’ll give them everything that they need. We’re excited to get him back.”
Colt, meanwhile, will return to his post as assistant athletic trainer.
“Tom’s done a helluva job holding down the fort until Kevin’s coming in,” Campbell said.
Notes
- Campbell said he’s aware Detroit could potentially see both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance in the season opener. Lance was not listed as a starter and didn’t speak with the media, but Campbell said he’s aware of the games that coaches and teams play.
- Goff, having played in the NFC West for the first five years in his career, has a sense of familiarity with the 49ers. Campbell said this experience is valuable, and helps with the game plan.
- Campbell said he hopes to use new wideouts Trinity Benson and KhaDarel Hodge in the opener, but added it will be tough, because they’re still getting acclimated to the team. Campbell added that Benson could be "a very productive receiver in this offense."
