Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the media on Monday as his team prepares to host the Washington Commanders at Ford Field on Saturday night. The Lions earned the No. 1 seed and a bye through the first round of playoffs, which allowed them to conserve energy and prepare for the Divisional Round.
Campbell emphasized that the real benefit of the bye was avoiding an extra game in the NFC playoffs, rather than the rest and potential healing time for injured players. He also praised the opportunity to face Washington, as it will allow his team to game plan against a new opponent and take advantage of their unfamiliarity with each other.
The Lions are excited to get running back David Montgomery back in the lineup after he missed three games with a knee injury. With Montgomery’s return, the team expects an increased presence on the field, particularly between the tackles, where Gibbs can complement his speed and big-play ability.
Campbell also expressed admiration for Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has impressed him with his composed performance despite being in his first season as a starter. The Lions are looking to exploit Daniels’ running threat and test their defense against the mobile quarterback.
Source: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/key-questions-what-s-next-for-lions-now-that-divisional-round-opponent-is-determined