Lions Strategically Assess Rams in Playoffs: Coach Dan Campbell Describes Them as ‘Hot and Dangerous’
The Los Angeles Rams, with a record of 10-7, are poised to end their one-year playoff hiatus as they face the Detroit Lions (12-5) at Ford Field this Sunday. Under coach Sean McVay’s leadership, the Rams have made the postseason six times in his seven-year tenure, contrasting with the Lions, who are making their first playoff appearance in the same period.
The matchup is marked by intriguing individual storylines, notably the quarterbacks, as the Rams’ Matthew Stafford and the Lions’ Jared Goff were traded for each other, along with additional compensation, in the spring of 2021. However, beyond the quarterback narrative, there’s a significant difference in playoff history between the Lions and Rams. The Rams have reached two Super Bowls and clinched the title since the Lions’ last playoff appearance.
Lions coach Dan Campbell expresses excitement about the opportunity to kickstart playoff success for his team. Hosting a playoff game against the Rams, who boast players with Super Bowl experience and a successful track record under McVay, adds to the anticipation for Campbell.
“I’m excited,” Campbell stated. “I think it’s a great setup. It’s good to be able to host a playoff game here against those guys. This team’s got a number of players that have been to the Super Bowl, they’ve been in it. (McVay) has done an outstanding job with them. And they’re a hot team. I think it’s good and it’s also – look, it’s a fresh team. It’s somebody we haven’t seen in three years, so I like that. I just kind of like the newness of it.”
Despite significant changes to the Rams’ roster since their Super Bowl victory in February 2022, key players like Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald remain. Campbell acknowledges the Rams’ “dangerous” offense, fueled by a dynamic rushing attack and Stafford’s deep passing ability. Defensively, he notes the Rams’ fundamental soundness.
The Rams enter the postseason on a strong note, winning seven of their last eight games, including a four-game winning streak. While it presents a formidable challenge for the Lions, Campbell embraces the difficulty and looks forward to the 5 p.m. PST kickoff in Detroit.
“It’s been fun, but this is when it gets really fun,” Campbell emphasized. “This is why you do it. This is why you coach, this is why you play, is for these moments right here. So, yeah, excited.”
