The New England Patriots arrived in Munich, Germany on Thursday morning. The Detroit Lions arrived on Friday morning.
Travel plans for the NFL’s ever-growing international slate have been one of the more hotly debated topics, recently ignited by the Los Angeles Rams’ expedited trip to Australia earlier in the season. They arrived the day before the game and left as soon as it ended. Their opponents, the 49ers, spent an entire week in Australia before the season opener. The Rams got wiped by the 49ers, 27-7,
leading many to believe travel plans were at fault for Los Angeles’ lackluster performance.
The difference between the Lions’ and Patriots’ approach to travel is obviously not as drastic. Twenty-four hours may not make that much of a difference, but there are bound to be some who believe the Lions didn’t take enough time to adjust. Lions coach Dan Campbell tried to assure media members in attendance in Munich that they will be more than ready for Sunday’s game.
“Very confident. Very confident. I know today will be the hardest day,” Campbell said.
The last 24 hours have undoubtedly been a grueling schedule for the players. Thursday in Detroit, they had a normal day of meetings, practice, and media availability. Hours later, they were on a flight to Munich, arriving around 8:30 a.m. local time (2:30 a.m. Detroit time). Using whatever energy they recaptured from sleeping on the plane, they went right into team meetings and a walkthrough practice.
“We went from the plane; we have got settled in. About an hour later we have got into meetings, and you’re doing a little bit of the head bob,” Campbell admitted.
Still, with over 48 hours to acclimate before kickoff, Campbell is certain the team will be more than ready for Sunday’s matchup with the Patriots.
“We have got up and moved around, and I know that every eight hours here, we’re going to begin to acclimate,” Campbell said. “I know by the time we hit Sunday morning into that Sunday afternoon game, we’re going to be ready to go. So, we will be primed and ready, and I feel very good about our plan.”
