Like a lot of other NFL teams, the Detroit Lions came out of the gate looking a little unpolished and uncoordinated in Week 1. Many have pointed to the fact that the Lions– also like many other teams–didn’t play their starters in the preseason.
Playing starters in preseason is something head coach Dan Campbell has repeatedly pushed back against since taking over the Lions. He’s not willing to make the injury risk, as well as also having confidence in the practices to prepare his team for the regular season.
Coach Campbell was asked if the rusty appearance of his team against the Rams made him think about changing course and playing starters in the preseason next year.
“No,” Campbell responded bluntly. “I mean, listen, there’s always going to be an element of – because even then – what, you’re going to play them 20 plays? I would rather go against ourselves and run 60, which is what we did. Those last two weeks we scrimmaged each other going 60 plays.”
Campbell continued, erasing any doubt about his stance.
“So no, I’m not, especially when you win the game. I feel good with where we’re at and I said it last night, do I like that we were not that clean? No, I don’t feel great about that, but I’m not upset with the win either. So, we will clean it up, like I told the team, all we have to worry about is getting a little bit better next week.”