Training camp is here, and with it comes an opportunity for the Detroit Lions to put a disappointing 2026 behind them.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, head coach Dan Campbell was asked what needs to happen for him to feel comfortable Week 1. He paused for a moment to give it thought, then landed on three core things.
“I want to know that we can run the football. I want to know we can stop the run,” Campbell said. “And I want to know that we're ready for situational football. Probably those three things, if you want me to feel comfortable. The other stuff will come.”
Lions getting back to basics is key for Dan Campbell in 2026
The Lions rushed for the 14th most yards in the NFL last season and ranked ninth in the league in yards per carry at 4.6.
But Detroit’s ground game was nowhere near as efficient as it had been previously.
The Lions ranked 25th in rushing success rate (39.1%) and 22nd in estimated points added per rush (-0.075) in 2025 according to Pride of Detroit. They were top five in both categories the year before.
Detroit handed Jahmyr Gibbs the keys to the backfield full-time this offseason by trading David Montgomery. Gibbs is holding out for a new deal at the moment but the situation is expected to be resolved soon.
The Lions signed Isiah Pacheco to back up Gibbs and are also counting on some contributions from 2024 fourth-rounder Sione Vaki. A retooled offensive line is also expected to help.
The raw numbers show Detroit had a below average run defense last season. The Lions allowed the 14th-most rushing yards in the NFL (2,041) and the ninth-most yards per carry (4.6).
What’s even more concerning is the Lions were tied for the second-most yards allowed before contact per running back carry at 1.8 according to Sharp Football Analysis. Their rush stuff rate of 17.9 was ninth-lowest in the league per Sharp.
These numbers suggest the Lions had trouble stopping run plays early in the down and creating second and third-and-long situations.
Detroit moved on from run-stuffer D.J. Reader this offseason and will trust 2025 first rounder Tyleik Williams to anchor the middle. A fully-healthy Alim McNeill is a candidate to bounce back as well. Linebacker Jack Campbell remains one of the best run stoppers in football, and Detroit is banking on Malcolm Rodriguez to handle a full-time starting role.
READ MORE: Lions writer shares one observation that could transform fans' views on secondary
Detroit may run into trouble on the edges if teams focus on Aidan Hutchinson and dare D.J. Wonnum to win his one-on-ones. But rookie Derrick Moore was a good run defender in college and could help out there.
As for Campbell’s third key, situational football, Detroit wasn’t great last year.
The defense failed to get key late stops in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams.
When the Lions’ offense did get chances, it fizzled. They went 0-for-5 on fourth downs in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and had two game-winning touchdowns overturned for offensive pass interference in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Detroit’s only true clutch win was over the lowly New York Giants, though its execution against the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys was admirable in those wins.
Campbell said everything else will take care of itself if it can work out those three things– running the ball, stopping the run and succeeding in situational football. They’ve got one of the league’s most talented rosters, so that’s likely true.
“[If] we're a little off on red zone, third down, those are always a work in progress, game plan specific,” he said. “But man, you better be able to run the football, stop the run, and situational football. End of half, end of game, that you feel comfortable and that you can function at a high level. Which is why we'll do a bunch of that, especially when we get in pads.”
The Lions are hoping a retooled offensive line, deeper defense and better playcalling on both sides will get them back in the playoffs. It also helps that the schedule looks easier this year.
It’s a make or break year in Detroit.
Add us as a preferred source on Google