Historically, a Win Would Be Massive for Lions, But Coach Reminds Team It’s Still Just a Regular Season Game
As the Detroit Lions head coach, Dan Campbell, emphasized that despite the importance of the division title and NFC’s top seed on the line, he is reminding his team not to get too excited. “I mean, I don’t know. Like I said, we’re all excited, I mean, this is exciting, but it’s not like it’s the playoffs,” Campbell said. “So yeah, for where we’re at it’s the next one and it is exciting, but it’s — we all know it’s still going to come down to the prep and we’ve got to put the work in.”
The Lions’ goal is to beat the Vikings, forcing them to play their playoff opener on the road, and secure home field advantage throughout the NFC postseason. Campbell stressed that it’s not about taking anything lightly, saying “I don’t know how to answer it really. I mean, yeah, it’s big, it’s great, but it’s like — yeah, it is what it is.” The team is, understandably, concerned with the playoffs, as their season is guaranteed to continue next week, but it’s much more appetizing to start their second season in the friendly confines of Ford Field than on the road, making Sunday night’s game significant.