Lions Coach Dan Campbell Confident in Home-Field Advantage Against Commanders

DETROIT, Mich. — Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in his team’s home-field advantage as they prepare to face the Washington Commanders in the NFL Divisional Round on Saturday. Campbell emphasized the impact of a roaring home crowd at Ford Field, calling it the loudest environment the Commanders will face all season.

“You can be in loud environments — ours will be the loudest they’ve been in all year,” Campbell said during a press conference. “How does it affect them? It only takes one for something to go awry and end that series or something happens out of it. That’s all you’re looking for. That’s all you’re hoping for. So I’m glad we’re at home, I can’t wait to hear that crowd, we know they’re behind us, and it’s going to be electric.”

Campbell, who took over as head coach in 2021, has long believed in the potential of Detroit’s fan base. “This is a sleeping giant for football,” he said. “This is a sports town, and for everybody to feel like they’re a part of it, this is our team, and they represent us.”

The Lions, who have never reached the Super Bowl despite being one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, are riding a wave of optimism this season. Detroit’s defense, ranked among the league’s best, will face a Commanders offense led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Daniels’ dual-threat ability has been a challenge for opposing defenses, averaging 6.0 yards per rushing attempt this season. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn acknowledged the difficulty of containing Daniels. “He understands what his skillset is, and he’s utilizing everybody on that offense to make him better,” Glenn said. “It’s almost like he’s trying to be a point guard, and he’s just delivering and leading.”

On offense, the Lions welcome back running back David Montgomery, who missed the last four weeks due to injury. Montgomery’s return complements rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, who has been dominant in his absence, averaging 162.3 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns per game over the final three weeks of the regular season.

“Gibbs has certainly had a hot hand as of late, and I expect David to come in and pick up where he left off,” Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. “If the last two days are any indication, he’s of the right mindset right now.”

The Commanders’ defense, however, has struggled against the run, ranking 27th in the NFL with 135.4 rushing yards allowed per game. This weakness could play into the Lions’ hands, as both Montgomery and Gibbs excel at gaining yards after contact.

Special teams could also play a pivotal role in Saturday’s matchup. Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp praised the Commanders’ unit as the best in the NFL, while highlighting Detroit’s own strengths, including All-Pro punter Jack Fox and explosive returner Kalif Raymond.

As the Lions aim to advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991, Campbell stressed the importance of staying focused. “You cannot get frustrated,” he said. “We’ve done a good job of that. We accept the fact that they’re going to make a couple of plays. They’ve made them against everybody that they’ve played against. That’s OK. The most important thing is that we line back up and we go again.”