Detroit Lions — It’s NFL Week 1, and we’re breaking down Tuesday’s media session with Dan Campbell as the Lions prepare for the New Orleans Saints.
Today’s discussion covers Campbell’s New Orleans background, Juwan Johnson and Jackson Meeks, the offseason changes, the guard competition, Aidan Hutchinson, Tom Kennedy and the role players, Jack Campbell’s captaincy, the Saints’ momentum and Blake Miller’s preparation.
Talking Points
What Campbell brought from New Orleans to the Lions.
Juwan Johnson’s development and receiving skills.
Jackson Meeks’ transition to tight end.
Campbell’s confidence in the offseason changes.
The guard competition and a possible Sunday rotation.
Hutchinson’s preparation after another full offseason.
Tom Kennedy’s involvement against the Saints.
How role players help the Lions execute together.
Jack Campbell’s captaincy and leadership.
The Saints’ strong finish and confidence entering Week 1.
Blake Miller’s preparation for the Saints’ edge rushers.
Kerby Joseph’s return to the team and continued progression.
What Did Campbell Bring From New Orleans?
Campbell’s time with the Saints helped shape how he approaches coaching and building a team. I’d pay attention to the conditions he believes allow players and coaches to succeed together, especially when evaluating how the Lions develop their own roster.
Reporter’s question: What does facing New Orleans mean to you, and how much did your time there influence what you built with the Lions?
My takeaway is that Campbell values the working environment as much as the personnel. Good players still need clear expectations, useful coaching and responsibilities that fit. His answer explains why he carried parts of that experience into this job:
“It means a lot. I mean, that was, you know, had it not been for my time there ... with that organization ... and being with Sean Payton, obviously, I ... wouldn’t have gotten this opportunity,” Campbell said.
“The environment’s got to be right, man. It’s got to be the right conditions, and we had the right conditions ... you try to carry over the ... things that you feel like are done right, that you do right, and take them to where you go, and that’s what we’ve done here.”
Watch the exchange beginning at 1:15
What Makes Juwan Johnson A Matchup To Watch?
Johnson’s receiving background is an interesting comparison to Jackson Meeks. Sunday will be a test for when the Lions defend the middle of the field. A tight end who can stretch a seam and track the ball downfield asks different questions of a defense than one used primarily as a blocker.
Reporter’s question: Having been there when Johnson began moving from receiver to tight end, how do you view his development, and how much pride do you take in it?
I’d watch how the Lions handle him when he gets a running start or releases vertically. His size alone isn’t the challenge; it’s combining that size with receiving skills. Campbell made it clear that he wouldn’t claim responsibility for the finished player:
“I would love to take credit for that. I cannot ... We were at the very beginning stages of moving him, and he was a receiver. He’s very much like Meeks,” Campbell said.
“He’s a big skill player, a mismatch player, man. The things where he stays on the move, keeping vertical ... he’s got range, he’s got length, he can track the ball.”
“I think that was always the vision for him, so I’m not surprised where he’s gone ... but I can’t take credit for that.”
Watch the exchange beginning at 2:08
