The next-day press conference following a humiliating loss is always worthy of attention. It’s where the head coach sets the tone for how the team as a whole will handle the bad outcome.
For Dan Campbell, the day after a 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens was about taking the blame for the brutal performance and setting a tone that ensures it won’t happen again.
During his afternoon press briefing, Campbell talked about some of the preparation mistakes and not getting his Lions team ready for the physicality and “window dressing” of the Ravens. He’s not making the same mistake getting ready for next Monday night’s home date with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I know the frustration and anger that I have, that motivates me,” Campbell said. “And I’m pretty sure it does with our players too.”
The head coach’s tone and vibe changed, in a way that could not be mistaken for anything other than a message to his assistant coaches and players.
“We will be ready for this game (Week 8 vs. the Raiders),” Campbell said. “We will be ready. We will physically, emotionally — we will be ready for this game.”