ALLEN PARK — The controversy in Dallas destroyed the Detroit Lions’ chances of securing the top slot, and they are now long odds to take the No. 2 spot as well.
There isn’t much on the line in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings, since at least the third seed is safe. However, head coach Dan Campell has stated time and time again that he does not plan to rest his starters until the playoffs.’
“Yeah, that’s the plan right now, is play our guys,” Campbell said on Monday afternoon.
The Lions recently suffered a crushing loss to the Cowboys. With 23 seconds remaining, left tackle Taylor Decker appeared to give them the lead on a 2-point conversion pass, but referee Brad Allen waves off the play due to illegal touching and says Dan Skipper reported as an eligible receiver rather than Decker, despite both players’ statements and video evidence to the contrary. The Lions lost 20-19 and were finally knocked out of contention for the top spot after failing to convert on two consecutive 2-point plays.
A victory in Dallas would have given them control over their fate as the No. 2 seed. Rather, in the last week of the season, they must defeat Dallas and Philadelphia in addition to defeating Minnesota on Sunday.
Although the Lions have contacted the league on the Decker play, which infuriated Campbell, Campbell is now concentrating on winning against Minnesota and gaining momentum going into the playoffs.
“I’m ready, man,” Campbell said. “I’ve got controlled fury, and I’m ready to go. I am absolutely ready to go. I don’t go the other way, so the team won’t either. We’re on a mission, and we’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves and wallow in everything. We had plays to make, we didn’t make them. And it’s a tight game, a good opponent, playoff-type atmosphere and you’ve got to make that one extra play that we didn’t and so we will use this as fuel. I’ve got pure octane right now. I woke up, I’m ready, so we’re moving forward.”
The starting lineup, including quarterback Jared Goff, is anticipated to play against Minnesota, though the Lions will undoubtedly be cautious with their injured players as they approach the tournament the following week. This includes tight end Sam LaPorta, who hobbled out of the locker room following the game, and wide Jameson Williams, who hurt his ankle late in the game against Dallas.
Both players are good, according to Campbell, but Williams’ injury is quite minor.
In a game when the Lions are trying to get past the issue in Dallas, Detroit is also hoping to get back a few injured players against Minnesota, including safety Ceedy Duce (C.J. Gardner-Johnson), defensive tackle Alim McNeill, and fullback Jason Cabinda.
“Honestly, I feel great about it because I, for the most part, until you guys asked me the questions, I’m over it,” Campbell said. “I don’t even want to deal with it. (Lions president) Rod (Wood)’s handling all of it, man. He’s got it, and I don’t even want to deal with it. I’m done. I’m good. I just want to go, and I want to get ready for Minnesota and our players will be ready to roll. I know they will.”
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