The Detroit Lions' entire team was rocked by an unfortunate injury to linebacker Jack Campbell against the Minnesota Vikings, and it was the kind of moment that can diametrically change a season.
Concern over Campbell's health has been the dominant story this week as the Lions get ready to play the Miami Dolphins on the road. It's been hard for the Lions to move on mentally, balancing their worries about their injured teammate with their motivation to get back on the field and compete.
Fortunately, news has gotten steadily better when it comes to Campbell. That allows the Lions some peace to prepare for a key game in Week 9. Also, motivation won't be an issue, considering Campbell is now serving as the focus of the entire team and specifically the defense.
Kelvin Sheppard discussed where the Lions are at mentally coming off not only a big win, but an emotional day. Heading into this week, he admitted that the message has revolved around honoring Campbell with everything they do, from practice to the game.
"The theme has been let's prepare and play like 46. Every day I wake up, 'What would 46 want me to do today?' Would he want us to sulk and feel sorry? I can guarantee not. He'd be mad if he found out guys are crying about him. That's his makeup and that's what makes him the person he is. Every meeting, every walkthrough (and) every play I told them, 'You know how Jack prepares. You know how he plays. The way you honor him is to wipe those tears from your eyes and make sure we prepare and play like him.' That's the theme moving forward."
The Lions 'defense has been much maligned this year, but has stepped up impressively in back-to-back wins against NFC North competition. They will be challenged now by the loss of several injured players, but it's clear that their motivation to play for Campbell can be something that helps carry them through the dog days of the season.
Lions defenders ready to honor Jack Campbell the rest of the season
Sheppard and the coaching staff have set the perfect tone for dealing with the Campbell injury with their words. Now, the players have had a chance to let the message sink in for a few days, and it's obvious they are heeding the call to play their hearts out for their healing teammate.
Linebacker Derrick Barnes was one of the players most impacted by Campbell's injury. As a player in the same position group, Barnes understands Sheppard's call. There is a standard to live up to, and the defense is now prepared to live that mantra the rest of the year, every single snap.
"I think that (Kelvin) Sheppard said it perfectly. Everything we do is for him. A guy who is a staple of our defense, one of our best guys, a guy that leads the defense. The time and energy, and the things he does that he puts into this game. My mentality? Wherever he left off, pick up (the slack). He has inspired a lot of us, and basically from now on, it's for him."
Aidan Hutchinson set the tone for Detroit's response without Campbell, given the impressive bull rush he put on the series after the linebacker was carted off the field. Moving forward, Hutchinson knows that acknowledging feelings while channeling motivation will be the goal.
"I think it was just something that we all had to gather together and talk about and kind of get on the same page and now we are. We're going to try to keep thinking of Jack, but (also) play for him and do what we've got to do."
It seems wise to count on a focused group this week, playing fast and aggressive on the defensive side. It would not be a shock to see the Lions playing extra hard the rest of the season, mostly for their injured compatriot.
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