It's finally Week 1 of the NFL season as the Lions begin preparations for Sunday's opener at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Lions head coach Dan Campbell kicked off the week with a press conference Monday morning.
Here are all the key questions to come out of Campbell's presser:
How does the addition of Micah Parsons to Green Bay's defense affect Detroit's preparation?
The Packers traded for All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons late last week, sending two first-round picks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark to Dallas for Parsons, who has recorded double-digit sacks in each of his first four seasons in the league.
Campbell joked Monday that whatever plan they were going to have for Clark inside they'd just move it outside for Parsons. In all seriousness, Campbell and his staff haven't gotten to their third-down preparations for Green Bay just yet but Campbell said they'll make sure they always have eyes on Parsons and will have a good plan for him.
The Lions played Dallas in each of the last three seasons. In 2022 and 2023, both Dallas victories, Parsons combined for two sacks and four quarterback hits against the Lions. He did not play in Detroit's blowout win in Dallas Week 6 last season. Campbell and his staff are familiar with what Parsons brings to the table.
Are coordinators John Morton (OC) and Kelvin Sheppard (DC) ready for their debut in new roles?
Campbell really likes where the offense and defense are at heading into the first week of the regular season. Both units did a lot of good things in training camp and joint practices, and he said his confidence level is high in Morton and Sheppard.
He also made a good point when asked about Morton and Sheppard, saying even if they don't get into the right play or right look initially, they have the veteran players to pick them up and get them into the right look.
That's a really underrated part of having a veteran quarterback on offense and veteran linebackers on defense.
What is Detroit looking for in a third quarterback if they ever need to sign one?
Detroit's on the lookout for a veteran player who can process information and run the show. They want a player who can step in and run the offense right away, if needed. Campbell said he'd prefer a player he's familiar with.
How well did the offensive line come together in training camp?
One of the first times we talked to Campbell at the start of training camp, he was asked what position group he'd have his eye on and he said the offensive line. Detroit has three new starters along the interior of their offensive line to start 2025. All-Pro center Frank Ragnow retired this offseason and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler signed elsewhere in free agency. Veteran Graham Glasgow fills Ragnow's role at center. Second-year player Christian Mahogany starts at left guard and rookie Tate Ratledge at right guard.
Campbell liked the way the five players upfront came together in camp, especially once left tackle Taylor Decker got back and Ratledge made the permanent move from center to right guard. He said he saw a ton of growth over the month they played together in camp and likes where the unit is at heading into Week 1.
Green Bay's defense last season was top seven against the run and top 10 in sacks.
"I feel really good about it," Campbell said of the O-line. "I also know we're not done, they're not done, and that's encouraging. I see that in a good way, like, there's so much growth left to take place ... so that's pretty exciting."
Are Detroit's rookies ready for big roles to start the season?
"Well, they better be ready because it's coming," Campbell joked Monday.
Defensive lineman Tyleik Williams, Ratledge and wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa are set for big roles Sunday in Green Bay.
Ratledge won't come off the field on offense. It doesn't get any bigger than that. Williams is expected to start alongside veteran DJ Reader and play a big role in the middle of Detroit's defense. TeSlaa will have a key role on special teams and will work into the rotation at receiver too.
Campbell also mentioned rookie wide receiver Dominic Lovett. Campbell wasn't sure if he would be active as the sixth receiver this early in the week but hinted at a possible special teams and offensive role for him if he's active for the game.
"Whoever we take to the game, we want to use, that's kind of what I believe in," Campbell said. "You don't want to waste reps if you can keep from it."
How can Week 1 set the tone for the season?
In each of the last two seasons, the Lions have had a marquee Week 1 matchup. Two years ago it was a Week 1 matchup in Kansas City against the defending Super Bowl champs on Thursday night. Detroit won, 21-20, and set in motion a 12-5 season that ended in the NFC Championship Game.
Last season it was a playoff rematch against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. Detroit won in overtime, 26-20, and went on to win 15 games in the regular season and earn the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC playoffs before losing to Washington in the Divisional Round.
This year, it's Lambeau Field and division foe Green Bay in a nationally televised game on CBS. Campbell said Monday he loves these kinds of matchups Week 1.
"The problem is not getting too excited too early right now," Campbell said. "Division opponent at Lambeau, nationally televised game. I mean this is - we love this stuff, we live for this, so this is good, this is exciting. Listen, any win sets you up for the season, helps you. And that's really what it's about."
