Lions' Roster Shines, Proves Ability to Win in Primetime
The Detroit Lions are seeking their fourth consecutive victory in primetime, when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football at Ford Field.
After defeating the Packers twice (in 2022 and this season) and the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs in primetime, Detroit is entering its latest primetime contest against the Raiders feeling confident it can rebound after a disappointing game against the Baltimore Ravens.
"I don't know how much of that is, no different than some one o'clock games, or we've, man, we're doing things right," said Dan Campbell. "We're locked in, we're detailed, we're finishing. I do think, just in general, I think we look forward to it. You look forward to every game, but I think it's something that doesn't cause us pause or pressure. I think it's more, we embrace those moments, we've been that way. This roster and these players and coaches, I think we really enjoy that. Fortunate to be able to do it, and so I think, it's something we look forward to."
Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is no stranger to playing in big games, having played collegiately at Alabama.
"It's not nothing I'm not used to. I'm just ready to play," Gibbs told All Lions after practice Saturday.
Gibbs, one of two first-round picks for Detroit in 2012, recorded his first career rushing touchdown in a blowout loss to the Ravens.
Tasked again with being the No. 1 running back in Detroit's offense, the speedy running back is ready for however Ben Johnson plans on utilizing him.
"It don't really matter to me, as long as I get the ball," said Gibbs. "Any way I can get the ball, I'd take 20 carries, I'll take 10 catches. It don't matter to me."
While Gibbs expressed he has not seen the critique of his play from Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, he has exhibited more patience running between the tackles.
Playing on Monday Night Football is exciting for many NFL players. For Detroit's roster, its last three wins in primetime have come on the road.
Monday evening will provide the first opportunity for Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown to play at night at Ford Field.
"I'm just excited to play," said Gibbs. "Excited to get back out there with the guys and put on a show."
Detroit's rookie class has been steadily improving, through the first seven weeks of the season. Campbell noted, as expected, that he would like to always see more from each of the young members of the roster.
"I think they’re all improving. They’re all getting better, which is all you can ask for out of rookies, just get a little bit better every week. So, that’s what I would say is I see development, I see growth and that’s good," said Campbell. Now, it’s not good enough, we need more. That’s what you say. We need more every week, just keep coming. ..."
Gibbs noted the contributions of the young members of the roster have had an impact on the success of the team.
"I think we're a really great group," said Gibbs. "Everyone contributes in some way on this team, and makes a big impact. It helps with the team a lot."
For the defense, Monday presents an opportunity to move past the bitter pill of Detroit's subpar performance in Week 7 against Baltimore.
“Fired up. We’re excited to bounce back and go into this bye week with some confidence, and make our last push for the rest of the season," John Cominsky told All Lions.
Cominsky is aware of just how loud Ford Field can be, and Monday could exceed what has already occurred this season. Detroit's fanbase is very supportive of the team's turnaround.
“We’re excited," Cominsky said. "We’ve seen that place fired up, and we don’t expect anything less. So, we’re excited for sure.”
Among the leaders on defense, the veteran defensive lineman notes that the young roster has embraced playing on the big stage and does not feel excessive pressure.
“I think we have a lot of young guys. When you have a lot of young guys, this is what we’ve dreamed of," Cominsky expressed. "A lot of guys embrace that and bring everything they’ve got.”
