The Detroit Lions are coming off a big win over Washington Commanders Sunday, November 9, but the big talk out of that game, even more than the win, was how it happened. Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over the play calling for the offense during the game, leaving first-year offensive coordinator John Morton as the No. 2 staffer making the calls.
That drew a lot of attention, because, of course, it’s usually the offensive coordinator who calls those plays. After the game, Campbell said that he talked with Morton after the 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings a week prior and discussed what went wrong and what improvements needed to be made. He also said that Morton was cool with the move.
“Listen, John Morton’s all team,” Campbell insisted. “That’s all he cares about. He just wants to win. He wants to be a part of it. He wants to help where he can, and he was outstanding today.”
He added, “He’s a grinder, he’s a worker, and he just tries to help and give you anything you can possibly need for the game. Look, if you’re him, of course it probably doesn’t feel too good, but he’s also a pro and he understands everything, so we move on.”
So, Campbell took over on Sunday, and now, everyone is wondering if he’ll do it again. His bold move even caught the attention of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who’s engaged to Taylor Swift.
During the Wednesday, November 12, edition of his “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce, Travis talked about Campbell and had praise for the coach. Both Kelce said they were impressed by Campbell’s coaching skills and how he’s “incredibly intimidating,” even with reading glasses on.
“I’m not… around with that,” Travis Kelce said on the show, calling him out, but in a good, playful way. “Just the traps coming out of the T-shirt that tells me I don’t need to bark up that tree.”
Jason Kelce added, “It’s the red skin that just tells you… his blood is just pulsing. He’s just waiting to explode with rage.”
Campbell’s play calling resulted in 546 yards, their most in a game since last November, and 44 points on the board. It’s the most points Detroit has scored since Week 5, according to NFL research.
Now, the Detroit Lions are looking ahead to Sunday’s matchup on November 15, which will see the Lions going up against the Philadelphia Eagles in a road contest on “Sunday Night Football.” The Eagles have a 7-2 record heading into the game and are one of the strongest teams in the NFL. The Lions have a 6-3 record and are the underdogs in this game.
So, the Detroit Lions will have to face the reigning champions and bring their best moves against the Eagles, plus, they’ll be playing in front of a loyal Philadelphia audience. But, the Detroit Lions know this is a make-or-break game, and that if they can beat the Eagles, they’ll be on their way to once again snagging the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Alvin Kamara played a major role in the New Orleans Saints 17-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The 30 year old running back reached over 100 scrimmage yards for the second time this season. This game showed that Kamara still has gas in the tank and that he still is a viable option for Tyler Shough as a receiver.
Kamara had 22 carries for 83 yards as a rusher and three receptions for 32 yards through the air. Although Shough had an amazing day, a major reason was Kamara forcing the defense to respect the run.
Kellen Moore still clearly believes that Kamara can be a star back; he wouldn’t reach 25 touches in a game elsewise. His usage has been inconsistent this year but he’s trending back in the right direction now. The Saints must continue to utilize him throughout the remainder of the season.
The “expiration date” for an NFL running back is said to be approximately 28 years old, but Kamara has changed the narrative by showing that he can still be productive late in his career. It’s a luxury that the Saints should use to help their rookie quarterback and develop the young backs behind him.
A running back and a solid tight end are crucial for a rookie quarterback. They are vital options for him when he’s under pressure or just needs a quick outlet. Kamara fills this role perfectly as he’s an outstanding route runner and has sure hands. Shough needs to continue leaning on him and trusting him to create dynamic plays for the offense.
Another underrated piece that Kamara impacts is the development of the other running backs behind him. Devin Neal and Kendre Miller are both young players who have benefited from his mentorship. His leadership and teaching can extend to the entire offense as a whole. He’s a fabulous locker room presence who has undoubtedly helped the team navigate their early-season struggles.
Alvin Kamara is an invaluable asset for the New Orleans Saints. He isn’t slowing down on the field as he’s coming off a game with his most touches and yards on the year. Kamara needs to continue this level production as the Saints look to finish the season strong.