The Detroit Lions (6-3) dominated the Washington Commanders in Week 10, winning 44-22 after coach Dan Campbell’s decision to take over play-calling duties changed the dynamic of their offense.
“Let’s try
something a little different,” Campbell said on Monday. “Look, I know what I want to do, I know how I want to do it. Now, that being said, this is a collaborative effort, now. I was taking input from (offensive coordinator) John Morton the whole time, and the other coaches. […] But I just wanted to change things up a little bit. Let’s just see if maybe a different play-caller can, maybe give us a little rhythm. That’s all. And, honestly, it’s nothing more than that.”
This decision by Campbell drove several NFL power rankings analysts’ decision-making this week, with some believing it’s a sign they’re preparing for a push toward the Super Bowl, while others are waiting to see how things play out over the next few weeks.
Let’s take a look at how things shook out in this week’s power rankings.
The Ringer: 4 (Previous rank: 6)
I think it was fair for Lions head coach Dan Campbell to take control of his offense due to hot-and-cold play from that unit over the past few weeks and a reported disconnect between players and new OC and play caller John Morton. We’ve grown accustomed to Detroit succeeding with a particular style, led by its rushing attack that sets up big passes off of play-action. And if that’s the way Campbell wants to keep things now that he’s the voice in Jared Goff’s headset, this move makes sense.
Still, I have a feeling that this offense has taken a step back in 2025 because regression is inevitable in this league, and the interior of Detroit’s offensive line is worse now than it was in years past. Maybe it’ll all work out, but I can’t use Sunday’s game against an awful Commanders defense as a signal in either direction.
Sports Illustrated: 5 (Previous rank: 6)
Here’s a column on Dan Campbell taking over play calling duties for the Lions, and why it’s quite possibly the most Dan Campbell thing ever.
The Athletic: 5 (Previous rank: 7)
From Josh Kendall and Chad Graff:
Breakout player: Jack Campbell
The third-year linebacker is a tackling machine against the run (76 stops overall). That’s no surprise. His four sacks and four quarterback hits are, though. Considered a one-dimensional player when the Lions (supposedly) overdrafted him with the 18th pick in 2023, Campbell has proven to be anything but that. The other Campbell, head coach Dan, took over play-calling duties Sunday, which is worth monitoring.
ESPN: 6 (Previous rank: 6)
From ESPN Staff, excerpt from Eric Woodyard:
Non-QB MVP: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown is a two-time first-team All-Pro who has proved to be one of the squad’s hardest workers, which has set the tone in Detroit since his arrival as a fourth-round pick out of USC in 2021. Through the first nine games, St. Brown joined Herman Moore (1995) as the only players in franchise history to record at least 60 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns. He did this all despite undergoing offseason knee surgery.
NFL.com: 6 (Previous rank: 7)
Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling, and the Lions had arguably their most productive showing of the season on that side of the ball. Bully for them! Look, I realize why it created a little drama, essentially stripping first-year play-caller John Morton of his duties midseason, but it worked — and that’s all that matters right now. Even against a Washington defense most teams have gashed this season, it was a thorough thrashing that saw the Lions score on every single offensive possession prior to running out the clock at game’s end. That it came against the team that vanquished Detroit in the playoffs last season added a little sweetener on top. Tougher challenges await, but the Lions gave a reminder that they can still go nuclear when they’re on.
Yahoo Sports: 6 (Previous rank: 7)
Jahmyr Gibbs has 40 touchdowns before he turns 24 years old. The only other players in NFL history to do that are Barry Sanders, Randy Moss, Emmitt Smith and Jim Brown, according to NFL Research, via Tim Twentyman with the Lions’ team site. That’s an unbelievable group for Gibbs to be a part of.
CBS Sports: 7 (Previous rank: 11)
Dan Campbell took over as the play-caller and the offense came to life. Of course, they did it against air, otherwise known as the Commanders defense. But it was impressive.
Sporting News: 7 (Previous rank: 13)
The Lions unleashed the fully fury of their offense with Dan Campbell deciding to take over play-calling, just in time to have fun with a Commanders defense that was weak vs. all of Detroit’s strengths.
USA Today: 9 (Previous rank: 9)
Points on eight consecutive possessions Sunday? A season-high 546 yards? Their first game in five weeks with more than 24 points? RB Jahmyr Gibbs having his best game of the season? Dan Campbell should keep calling the offensive plays as long as he wants.
