CBS Sports: Coach Dan Campbell shares the key to his victory over the colts

After defeating the Colts, Dan Campbell distributes three game balls during the Lions locker room celebration

Head coach Dan Campbell paused to honor exceptional locker room performances following the Detroit Lions’ decisive 24-6 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Three worthy team members—linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, punter Jack Fox, and assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery—were given game balls as the Lions, who are now 10-1 on the season, celebrated their victory on the road.

Game Balls for Magnificent Shows

Malcolm Rodriguez’s exceptional performance in the defensive unit earned him one of the game balls. In a defense that stopped the Colts’ offense and failed to give up a score for the second consecutive game, Rodriguez was everywhere on the field and finished with eight tackles. Rodriguez’s contributions in a game where the defense really took the lead were acknowledged by Campbell, who commended his defensive leadership.

With a game ball, Jack Fox, the Lions’ punter, also merited mention. With three punts within the 20-yard line, Fox’s outstanding effort pinned the Colts deep in their own territory. His accurate kicking was essential in keeping the Colts’ offense stalled, which helped the Lions’ defense keep the game under control.

Assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery, who has a curious relationship to the Colts, received the third game ball. The players gave Montgomery, a former Indianapolis coach, a standing ovation when he was given the game ball. In an emotional moment, Montgomery thanked him, saying, “Dude, this is my favorite team ever! I adore you all!

The Mentality of Road Warriors

After that, Campbell spoke to the players and gave them a perspective on their road win. He brought up the difficulties the Lions experienced a few years prior, when they finished the 2021 season with a miserable 0-11-1 record away from Ford Field and had no road victories at all. Of course, it was before they defeated the Chicago Bears and ended their road victory streak.

Campbell noted that since that pivotal moment, the Lions have become into a formidable road squad, amassing an incredible 16-5 road record. “We are warriors on the road,” Campbell declared. “We’re also quite [explicit] good at home!” As the Lions continue to gain ground before their Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears, the team cheered the head coach’s remarks.

Gazing Ahead
Campbell’s locker room address serves as a reminder of how far this club has come in a short period of time as the Lions get ready for their Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears. The Lions are demonstrating that they are not only a formidable home team but also a formidable road opponent thanks to their potent defense, outstanding special teams play, and explosive offense.

The guys that were given their game balls played a significant role in the win, and Campbell’s guidance keeps motivating this group to go better every week. Looking ahead to the Bears and beyond, the Lions’ next task will be to maintain their domination on the road.