NFL Head Coach Ranking Gets Dan Campbell All Wrong
Dan Campbell is simply a likeable guy. Seriously. He’s the kind of guy you’d want to hang out with on a Sunday, even during the off season. He’s funny. He’s…
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 13: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter of a preseason game at Ford Field on August 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Dan Campbell is simply a likeable guy. Seriously. He's the kind of guy you'd want to hang out with on a Sunday, even during the off season. He's funny. He's relatable. And, he's kind of just "one of us." Campbell is also leading a winning Detroit Lions team going into the 2023 season. But, he's not getting the respect he deserves in certain NFL head coach ranking lists and polls, in my opinion.
NFL Head Coach Ranking:
Campbell was kind of, sort of disrespected in the latest CBS Sports head coach ranking. I would have thought he would make the top 20, especially since the Detroit Lions are such a buzzed-about team this season. Instead, he comes in at No. 22, just ahead of Brandon Staley of the Los Angeles Chargers and behind Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders.
So, what's the rationale? He needs to work on his overall record. That's a given. "A walking embodiment of testosterone, Campbell's fiery optimism finally translated to wins in 2022, and his late-year staffing changes helped fuel defensive strides," Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports says. "Now his challenge will be meeting expectations, ensuring QB Jared Goff is protected while the Lions try to capture their first NFC North title in 30 years."
There's also a site called Lombardiave.com that has shared a story ranking the best and worst NFC North coaches. In this list, Campbell comes in at No. 3. That's out of 4, so not a great showing. He deserves better, I believe. "Campbell is a good coach, and he could lead the Lions into the playoffs this season," they state. "But he needs to turn entertainment and potential into wins." That's true. They add, "Detroit showed signs of this in the second half of last year. Now Campbell needs to build on it. He has a roster good enough to make a playoff run." Let's hope Campbell gets that respect in this coming season.
Is it September yet? I don't want to wish away the summer, but I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Detroit Lions season. We have some incredibly solid Detroit lions players on the roster.
There's so much positive buzz out there about the Detroit Lions. Some even think this is the year we'll make it to the Super Bowl. Whether Detroit is at the big game or not, expectations are high. No matter what, it's going to be an exciting season to watch. There are several NFL teams that I'll be following this year, but the Lions are, of course, at the top of my list.
Read on for seven Detroit Lions players that will be crucial to the team's success this year. These are my personal picks. Send your picks to Anne Erickson on social media here.
Listen to "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below and wherever you listen to podcasts! On this episode, Brad Berreman of SideLion Report joins me, Anne Erickson, to talk about the Lions' picks and how the team is shaping up going into the new season. The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone. As always, the Draft brought some surprises, and that includes the Lions' picks.
7. Defensive lineman Josh Paschal
This might seem like an odd pick, as Josh Paschal had a lot of injuries last year, so he's not on the radar as much. But, the few times he did play, he was impressive. Having Pashchal (hopefully) healthy will help the Lions' defense immensely. And, that's one area that the Lions need to shine in 2022.
6. Cornerback Cam Sutton
The Detroit Lions have veteran cornerback Cam Sutton in the fold. "From the defensive side we have a lot of physical guys," Sutton said via DetroitLions.com. "A lot of hungry guys. Guys who want to get after the ball and make plays on the ball from all different levels. It's a very communicative group, very high energy and you need that tenacity that vicious mindset every time you attack the field."
5. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is a rookie, but the Detroit Lions have high expectations for him. He comes from Alabama, where he led in rushing and receiving in 2022. He also is going to be working closely with David Montgomery. as having both running backs will help keep each other rested and fresh.
4. Running back David Montgomery
Running back David Montgomery is bringing some versatility to the offensive side of the Detroit Lions. He was a solid signing, coming from the Chicago Bears, and has the potential to help improve an already solid Lions offense. I personally think he'll be one of the best in the league this year.
3. Defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson was the Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up last season, so there are a lot of expectations for the NFL player. He recorded 9.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits and three picks over the season. Very impressive!
2. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown
Pro Bowler Amon-Ra St. Brown is a huge part of the Detroit Lions' team. He had 196 receptions in his first two seasons in the league and is actually tied for the most in NFL history. Last season, he had a 106-catch, 1,161-yard season with six touchdowns.
1. Quarterback Jared Goff
Jared Goff had a stellar season in 2022 with the Detroit Lions and was at the heart of why the team won most of the second half of the season's games. He came from the Los Angeles Rams, and while in L.A., he scored two Pro Bowl berths, helped the Rams win two NFC West division titles and three playoff appearances. He also appeared with the team at Super Bowl LIII. Is another Super Bowl in his future? I hope so. I really think Goff has what it takes to take this team to the next level.
