Eagles’ Vic Fangio Plans Strategy Against Lions’ Dan Campbell
In a notable development last Sunday, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell assumed control of the play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton during a game against the Washington Commanders. Following the Lions’ Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Campbell decided a change was necessary to rejuvenate the offense, which had shown signs of struggle.
Strategic Shift in Play Calling
Previously, Campbell hired Morton from the Denver Broncos to replace Ben Johnson, who left to coach the Chicago Bears. Under Johnson, the Lions enjoyed success, culminating in a remarkable 2024 season, during which they led the NFL in scoring, averaging approximately 33 points per game.
This season, however, the Lions have faced difficulties. After eight weeks, their record stood at 5-3, already matching their loss total from the entire previous year. Though their offensive statistics weren’t drastically different from last year, significant drops in performance raised alarms.
2024 vs. 2025 Offensive Statistics
| Category | 2024 Lions | 2025 Lions (Week 1-7) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 33.2 (1st) | 30.7 (3rd) |
| Yards Per Game (YPG) | 409.5 (2nd) | 357.2 (9th) |
| Time of Possession (TOP) | 32:14 (2nd) | 31:50 (4th) |
| Third Down Conversion Percentage (3D%) | 47.57 (4th) | 37.6 (20th) |
The Lions recently struggled in three consecutive games, scoring less than 25 points. Their third-down efficiency plummeted significantly, dropping from the fourth to the twentieth rank. However, the team rebounded with a stunning offensive performance, scoring 44 points and amassing 546 total yards against the Commanders—setting a season high.
Key Player Contributions
Crucial to this resurgence was running back Jahmyr Gibbs, a two-time Pro Bowler known for his versatility. Before Campbell took control of the play-calling, Gibbs was frequently kept in to block on passing plays, limiting his offensive involvement. In contrast, against the Commanders, Gibbs was only asked to block 11% of the time and found the end zone three times, totaling 178 yards on 18 touches.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams also thrived under Campbell’s new strategy. He recorded his first 100-yard game since Week 2, finishing with 119 yards and averaging 19.8 yards per reception. Campbell’s adjustment to Williams’ alignment led to enhanced performance, allowing him more opportunities to exploit defenses.
Looking Ahead: Eagles Face Lions
As the Lions prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles, the challenge will be significant. The Eagles’ defense has shown prowess this season, bolstered by the addition of pass rusher Jaelan Phillips. However, Campbell’s strategic changes could make the Lions’ offense difficult to defend against.
The Lions aim to build on their recent success. If Campbell’s modifications continue to yield results, the matchup against the Eagles may present an intriguing challenge for both teams.
