The Detroit Lions weren't mathematically eliminated as a result of their Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the reality that time is running out appears to be setting in for the two-time defending NFC North champions and their leader, Dan Campbell.
Like the players, Campbell had some additional time to process the Lions' bizarre, crushing yet thrilling 29-24 defeat at the hands of the Steelers. He sounded uncharacteristically dispirited when speaking on the current state of affairs during his press conference the following day, albeit rather candid.
When asked about his words to the locker room coming off a virtually season-ending result, the typically upbeat and highly caffeinated Campbell kept it real. He urged his squad to rub some dirt on it and keep pushing ahead, because that's what everyone else is doing.
Dan Campbell delivers blunt message after Lions' crushing loss to Steelers
Life goes on, and those words ring especially true in the NFL, which the Lions are experiencing firsthand. One minute, you're a bona fide Super Bowl contender, and the next, reaching the postseason is a pipe dream. Nevertheless, the schedule doesn't let them sulk in their shortcomings; they face a quick turnaround with a Christmas Day showdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
With just three days of practice before going on the road against a division rival, Campbell knows the Lions must regroup:
"Move forward. ... Get back to work. Nobody's going to feel sorry for us. Nobody cares. We've got a game plan ready for them; they've got to go out there and digest it as fast as they can and be ready to go, man. Emotionally, psychologically and physically [prepared] by the time Thursday hits. That's the message."Dan Campbell via Lions' official YouTube
It's easier said than done, but the Lions don't have much of a choice but to persevere. Conversely, the Vikings have won three straight contests and appear to be finding a stride. The respective clubs are trending in opposite directions, and momentum (or a lack thereof) could swallow Detroit whole if Campbell's message isn't received.
Campbell and Co. haven't had their back fully against the wall like this since the Lions' breakthrough 2022 campaign. They've folded under pressure repeatedly this season, going 2-5 in one-score games, and it's seemingly beginning to take a toll on them. Nevertheless, Detroit still has a slim chance of sneaking into the big dance, though it starts with shifting the focus to Minnesota.