The Detroit Lions (5-1) experienced their first game without pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a broken tibia a week ago, and it went better than expected.
The Lions sacked Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold four times in the 31-29 win, but head coach Dan Campbell still wasn’t happy with his pass rush.
“There were some things where our coverage really had to — we asked them to do a lot, and they had to hold on a little bit,” Campbell said via 97.1 The Ticket. “There was a number of things where we fabricated some rush, we got there a few times. To answer your question, we need just a little bit more. There was a couple of [plays] that did get long, a couple of these plays that you like to believe we can get somebody there just a little bit sooner.”
Darnold was 22-of-27 for 259 yards and a touchdown when Detroit didn’t get to him, but it’s a change in Campbell’s tone from last week when he showed little to no interest in trading for another pass-rusher.
“Look, we’re open to anything,” Campbell stated via Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “[General manager] Brad [Holmes] has been working through it. We are not going to be in a hurry. Brad is doing his homework. The crew is doing their homework. They’re looking at everything. But we’re not going to just make a move to make it. It’s got to be right. It’s got to be the right guy, and the pieces have to fall in place.”
It remains to be seen who the Lions could target since elite edge-rushers are rarely on the open market. Acquiring him won’t be easy, even if a player of that caliber becomes available.
However, Detroit seems much more willing to add to its defensive line.
It’s surprising that the Lions shifted their stance after just one week, but perhaps an external addition can bring some much-needed energy back to the unit.
Detroit is set to host the Tennessee Titans (1-5) in Week 8.