Lions Coach Urges Team to Build on Last Season's Success as Training Camp Begins
- Dan Campbell asserts that the Detroit Lions' success is due to their hard work and not their past reputation.
- He remarks on the growth in his coaching experience as he enters Year 4.
- Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown expresses confidence in Campbell's leadership moving forward.
As the Detroit Lions gear up for the 2024 NFL season, head coach Dan Campbell is emphasizing the importance of building on the team's recent success, which culminated in an NFC Championship Game appearance. Campbell's message to his players is clear: the journey to success requires hard work and dedication. "There's a price to be paid, and so we've got to go pay it again," he stated, reinforcing the gritty mindset that has characterized the team's recent performance. Entering the new season, the Lions hold the third-best odds to reach the Super Bowl at 17.6%, according to ESPN Analytics. Campbell believes that the momentum from last year can carry over, provided the team remains committed to their work ethic. The Lions are also favored to win their division for the second consecutive year, a feat only achieved once in franchise history from 1952 to 1954. With a largely intact roster from the previous season, running back David Montgomery expressed that the team possesses an "extra edge" after coming so close to the Super Bowl. All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown echoed this sentiment, highlighting Campbell's motivational leadership as a key factor in the team's pursuit of improvement. The Lions' aggressive strategy last season, including a record 34% conversion rate on fourth downs, reflects their commitment to taking risks. Campbell acknowledged the growth of both himself and his coaching staff, attributing their success to the collective experience and effort of the team.