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Dan Campbell reveals if he took over playcalling from OC John Morton

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones2 hours agobrianjones_93
Dan Campbell
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell admitted he took over the playcalling duties for offensive coordinator John Morton in the team’s win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday. While speaking to reporters after the game, Campbell explained why he made the move.

“Let’s try something a little different,” Dan Campbell said. “I know what I want to do, I know how I want to do it. This is a collaborative effort. I was taking input from John Morton that whole time.

“…This is all encompassing, and we all work together. Coaches did a hell of a job, but I just wanted to change it up a little bit. Let’s just see if a different playcaller can maybe get us a little rhythm. That’s all. Honestly, it’s nothing more than that.”

During the game, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network said that Campbell had a play sheet and was talking into the headset in between plays. “Lots of indications of a disconnect between OC John Morton and the players and coaches,” Garafolo said. “Campbell appears to have taken over offensive play calling, which he indicated was possible.”

Dan Campbell mentioned Lions’ playcalling issues before Sunday’s game

The change worked as the Lions took down the Commanders 44-22. The offense recorded 546 total yards and 30 first downs. Entering Sunday’s game, the Lions had lost two of their last three games, and the offense played a big role in the team’s struggles.

On Friday, Campbell pointed out that playcalling could be an issue. “Part of it could be with the way the game is called. It could be, maybe rhythm of how you call it. It could be what you go to. It could be who you’re trying to get involved,” Campbell explained, per Sports Illustrated. “I hate to give away a plan. And I’ve got it, I understand what you’re asking, too, it’s like, ‘I don’t get it.’ But it can be a number of different things. That’s about as good as I can do for you right now without giving anything away.”

John Morton joined the Lions this season after spending the last two years with the Denver Broncos as the team’s pass game coordinator. He took over for Ben Johnson, who is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears.