Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell learned so much about coaching while serving under Sean Payton with the New Orleans Saints. Campbell was Payton’s assistant hand coach for several years in New Orleans before heading to Detroit.
Payton is now an analyst on FOX Sports, and the longtime headman offered up some nice perspective on what Sunday’s 37-26 win over the Washington Commanders means for Campbell and his young Lions.
“He’s changing the culture,” Payton stated about Campbell after the game. “And here’s what you need at some point when you’re doing that. You need some sugar, you need to win. And it’s one thing to win late in a season where the games maybe — they all matter, but that’s a significant win today because these matter relative to your chances of being in the postseason.”
Payton continued,
“So to win early (in a season) like that, and play well last week and have an opportunity to win — they start to believe.”
Payton’s point was met with approving nods from fellow panelists and Pro Football Hall of Famers Michael Strahan, Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw. They all understood the gravitas of winning for such a young team and an unproven coaching staff trying to end the vicious cycle of Lions losing.
