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The Detroit Lions hosted their first playoff game in 30 years on Sunday and came out with a narrow 24-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
While the win in and of itself was obviously significant, the storylines surrounding the two teams made it even sweeter for the Lions, as they traded former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford for new starter Jared Goff and a bevy of draft picks that they’ve used to build their team.
Known for his passion and wearing his heart on his sleeve, head coach Dan Campbell predictably gave a can’t-miss speech in the locker room after his team’s win.
How electric was that pic.twitter.com/OmBWpiu2v2
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
“We play next Sunday back here at home, guys!” Campbell begins before gassing up his guys about the fact that they get to play another home game next weekend.
“We’ve got the winner of Tampa and Philly, which is tomorrow. We’ll be here at 3 o’clock [next Sunday] back at Ford Field because you guys f—— earned it! Dude, how electric was it out there? I’ll tell you what, it doesn’t get any better. Everything you dream of, and then more. That’s outstanding work.”
Campbell then gave out the game balls for the win: one to general manager Brad Holmes and the other to quarterback Jared Goff.
“I’ve got two game balls. Number one: when you come in three years ago like me and this guy did and you had a vision, and you start working together, and you’ve got an idea of how you want to build it and the type of players you’re looking for , and how you want to go top to bottom — offense, defense, special teams, and you’re in f—— lock-step. And telling you guys, it’s a s—– business, it ain’t always perfect, but we do a pretty good job, dude. But without this f—— guy right here, man: [general manager] Brad Holmes.”
Campbell’s second game ball speech was much less long-winded, as he simply said “You’re good enough for f—— Detroit, JG,” as he tossed the ball to Goff.
After going 3-13 in his first season as head coach, the Lions just narrowly missed the playoffs last season with a 9-8 record before winning the NFC North with a 12-5 record this year. And next weekend, they’ll have a chance to earn a spot in the NFC Championship game.