Dan Campbell Morning Presser - 09/12/25
- DB Keener
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
After listening to Dan Campbell’s morning Press event (before practice) today, here is some instant analysis (my opinions based on Campbell’s Q&A responses.) Also included below are the questions and answers (paraphrased) from the session.
Instant Analysis
This sure sounds like they expect Taylor Decker to miss the game, or be substantially limited if he does play, in favor of keeping him healthy for the long-term. Gio Manu will have to be ready to start or step in at a moment’s notice, and if he does the Lions Offense will likely trend toward his strengths.
The comments on Manu are pretty spot on in my opinion if he needs to play. Kid has the tools, but lacks experience and needs to get better, likely in a hurry. Both Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo will give him a challenge on passing downs.
Dan Campbell has tremendous respect for Bears Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen (they coached together on Saints and the Lions defense is a derivative of Allen’s Saints scheme via Aaron Glenn).
Interesting comment from Campbell with it being Game 2 and the team (specifically the OL) finally having played together other than Scrimmages and Joint Practices should allow them to play better. This has been a Staff topic for quite a few weeks and may be on next week’s pod.
Vaki and Wingo appear to be very close to being ready to be active on gameday
Comments also provided on containing both DeAndre Swift and Caleb Williams, Coordinators bouncing back and use of Al-Quadin Muhammad against Packers and moving forward.
Q&A form Presser (Paraphrased)
On Taylor Decker:
Campbell says he has a little something and trying to buy him some time to let him feel better. Said he will be ready, as long as it feels right. Said Lions feel good and still have another day (and Decker has played a lot of Football) and that they will see, but can’t give a definitive yes.
Comment regarding injury is related to Decker’s offseason Shoulder surgery
Campbell said he isn’t sure on that, and left it at that.
On comfort level of bringing Gio Manu into game to fill in for Decker
Campbell said he has got to be ready and he know that and has been getting reps all week. Campbell also said that he thought he practiced better the last two days.
If Lions prepared to give Manu help and what impact it has on Game Plan
Campbell said it change some things, but you have to stay ahead of sticks in manageable situations. Manu has strengths and things he has to continue to work on as he grows and develops and will use his strengths
Asked if Decker will be at Practice Today
Campbell says he will not be out there. But said for the record, Decker wants to play, but it comes down to the long-term for the season and what is best.
Question on pressure chasing the 2-0 Packers since Lions have been playing from ahead last two year
Doesn’t see it as pressure, and when team is forced to compete is a good thing and they knew coming into the season that it was going to be a tough division with good players and good coaches and competitive. Its early in season and teams will also come into adversity, but need to be playing best ball at the end of the season.
Question on Mehki Wingo being inactive and what he hopes to see form him before gets back on field
He has gotten some reps this week and like where he is at and is physically ready. Trending in right way with overall development before he was injured last season. Has flexibility for inside and outside and glad to have him back.
On how Coordinators responded to adversity form last week
Said they have been great as expected and focused this week on cleaning up their own issues and moving on.
On what kind of Boost Vaki provides
Campbell said it would be a significant boost because he is an outstanding special team’s player
Hallmarks of a Dennis Allen Defense
Campbell said wow, they play hard, smart, disciplined, aggressive, tough, Allen is an outstanding coach, he does it right and know how to teach, communicate and how to put players in position for success.
On Muhammed use
Campbell likes what he gave team last year and was better this year through camp. Can spell Hutch and use on Third Down and knows how to play the run and set an edge.
On keeping Caleb Williams Contained
Trick is to contain him, can’t be too careful and paralyze your guys, so has a fine balance between keeping him in the pocket and continuing him form not escaping. Kyle Allen played Williams in Practice and gave team great simulation this week.
On DeAndre Swift importance to run game
Can’t allow teams to run on team, knows Swift is an exceptional athlete, powerful legs, quick, explosive and if he finds a crease he is gone. Have to bottle him up and gang tackle. Can’t let them establish the ground game.
Question on noise at Lambeau compounding communication issues, how will being back at Ford Field Help
Help because it is Game 2, all starters have now played together in particular the OL (other than scrimmages and joint practices). Back home in own element where verbal comes back into it instead of silent cadence. Both elements will help.
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