Lions Coach Blames Team's Disappointment on Lack of Execution, Not Morale

The Detroit Lions’ disappointing season culminated in a missed playoff opportunity, and head coach Dan Campbell was blunt about his team’s shortcomings. In a post-game press conference, Campbell expressed frustration with the team’s inability to close out games and capitalize on scoring opportunities. “We didn’t execute when it mattered most,” Campbell said. “We made too many mistakes, and we couldn’t get back on track after some of those setbacks. It’s not about morale or motivation – it’s about making plays when you have your chances.” The Lions’ struggles were evident in their final game of the season, which they blew by 17 points against a NFC Wild Card contender. Campbell acknowledged that his team was outcoached and outplayed in several areas, including defense and special teams. “We knew we had to bring our A-game if we wanted to compete,” Campbell said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t do that consistently enough. I take full responsibility for the team’s performance this season.” Campbell also praised his players for their effort, but emphasized that individual performances were not enough to overcome the team’s collective struggles. “We had some good games and some bad games – it was just a matter of consistency,” he said. “I’m proud of my guys for fighting until the end, but at the end of the day, we came up short.” As the Lions look to regroup and recharge for the 2026 season, Campbell is already looking inward, seeking ways to improve his team’s performance and execution. “We’ll do a thorough review of our game plan and make adjustments accordingly,” he said. “We’ll work on building on our strengths and addressing our weaknesses. It’s going to be a tough offseason, but I’m confident that we’ll come back stronger next year.”