After not making the playoffs in 2025, it was time for the Detroit Lions to take a hard look in the mirror. The in-your-face rowdiness and 'chip on the shoulder' mentality had the Lions in the NFC Championship just three years ago, but the effect seemed to wear off for the rest of the league.
In 2023 and 2024, the Lions had a combined record of 27-7. After following it up with a 9-8 season, changes were imminent, and it started before training camp. Head coach Dan Campbell made it known early in the offseason that he was opting out of joint practices, meaning the Lions were headed for a much different summer.
Detroit Lions have 'renewed focus' in training camp
Rather than going viral for a scuffle with another team, most of the drama in Detroit this offseason centered around the re-signing of star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Once pen was put to paper, it was time to focus on what's going on between the lines. NFL insider Ian Rapoport said it seems like the Lions are keeping it simple this season.
"I mean everybody is doing joint practices, but it really felt like, for Dan Campbell, it was no frills, no distractions, no nothing," Rapoport said on the Pat McAfee show Thursday. "We are going to be in camp, we're going to only do this, and that's how we're going to roll into the season."
Aside from the Terrion Arnold situation, things have been quiet in Detroit during training camp. Rapoport said the Lions seem to have their priorities straight, and for a team looking to get back to the top of the NFC, it could be just what they need.
"This year felt a little stripped down. It felt a little more business-like," Rapoport said. "It's fine, it's just the kind of thing where they're like, we're just going to cut out all the other stuff, and we're going to handle our responsibilities. We're not going to invite someone else in, we're not going to travel, we're just going to only do our things."
It seems like Detroit remembered the true purpose of training camp, which is to get ready for the regular season by evaluating players and narrowing down the roster and depth chart. Joint practices are supposed to be a way of evaluating players with an actual opponent on the other side, but it often turns into a macho match, and injuries are common.
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The Lions have dealt with countless injuries over the past couple of seasons, and any further risk (especially in training camp) just wouldn't make sense. All of the focus is on getting back to the top, and Rapoport said he could tell something was different.
"Is it necessary? I don't know, like, they're really talented still, so I'd think they would be fine," Rapoport said. "Health wise, they're probably going to get a couple guys back, in the secondary especially, when the season starts, so that's going to help too. They should be really good, but the renewed focus (is something) I did notice."
As long as health cooperates, the newly-found 'business-like' approach should put the Lions back in the playoff picture.
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