Detroit Lions Dan Campbell says team's issues are all correctable after loss to Bills

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (FOX 2) - Sunday's much-anticipated matchup with the Buffalo Bills was a battle for both teams – but the 48-42 loss for the Lions stings quite a bit, despite holding the top spot in the NFC and a 12-2 record.

Head Coach Dan Campbell addressed the media on Monday, emphasizing the need for the team to learn from their mistakes and maintain their focus as they prepare for the remainder of the season.

"Really, what we talked about yesterday," Campbell said. "Get a turnover, and we got none on defense. So we lost the turnover ratio in a tight, close game as it ended at the end. And then, you know, we just didn't complement each other."

The Lions struggled to find their rhythm early in the game. Campbell said they missed major opportunities.

"We go three and out to start that game and then they go all the way down and scored a touchdown," he explained. "We just had a number of errors, you know, that have been uncharacteristic."

Campbell's optimistic about the team's ability to respond.

"Sometimes you got to get punched in the face before you know how to respond," he said. "We're going to use this to our advantage and get ready for a division opponent on the road."

Campbell said coaches and players will all remain focused on finding solutions. 

"It's all correctable. We will get it corrected. It's going to help us offensively be more efficient," he said. "It's not time to freak out. We lost a game. We didn't play well. Why don't we go back to work and clean up those things that hurt us yesterday?"

As the Lions prepare for Bills, Campbell's message is clear: learn, adapt, and move forward. 

"What do you want to do about it?" he asked. "We play with three units here, and we'll do what we have to do to win a game. That's all that matters from here on out, is that you just need to have one more point than the opponent, period."

Detroit's growing injury problem

The Detroit Lions have more players on injured reserve than anyone else in the NFL – and they include starters Derrick Barnes, Alex Anzalone, and Aidan Hutchinson. This weekend, four other players were added to that list: David Montgomery, Khalil Dorsey, Carlton Davis III, and Alim McNeil. 

Campbell talked about all of them on Monday, saying Montgomery's loss is going to be felt by everyone.

"He's going to require surgery that'll put him out for the rest of the year," Campbell said of one player. "He's just the ultimate teammate. Ultimate competitor. You know we're going to miss him, man."

The running game will now fall squarely on the shoulders of Jahmyr Gibbs.

"We got a lot of confidence in Gibbs," he said. "He's continued to get better and better. We need him, and that's the trick."

‘Nobody cares’ about Lions injuries

Campbell said despite the Lions injury woes, you can't get caught up in it. In the NFL – every team has injuries.

"We've lost players. We've lost really good players, but nobody cares. I mean, you know, nobody cares. And nobody's going to give us a pass or put an asterisk next to your record," Campbell said. 

Instead of wallowing in the injuries, Campbell is looking at this as an opportunity.

"What it means is some guys are going to have an unbelievable opportunity because of what has happened. That means now if you're a guy who's on the vet squad, or you're a young player, or you're somebody that's been dying to get an opportunity, you're about to get it. And, and so that's, that's a pretty cool thing," he said. "What are you going to do with it? And it's up to us to give them a plan to where they can succeed."

Jared Goff's incredible day

Despite the loss, the Lions' performance this season has been impressive, with quarterback Jared Goff playing at a high level. He continued that on Sunday – throwing for 494 yards and five touchdowns.

"I can't say enough good things about Jared Goff right now. He's doing it," Campbell said. "He's going to give us an opportunity to have a chance to win every game."