Such was the case for Lions head coach Dan Campbell, who appeared during the ManningCast of Cowboys vs. Buccaneers on ESPN2 just a week after the Lions missed the playoffs despite finishing 9-8.
The Buccaneers, of course, made it in as a No. 4 seed at 8-9 by virtue of winning the NFC South. So when Eli asked Campbell if he was OK with watching the playoffs from home despite having a better record than one of the teams playing, Campbell was diplomatic but terse.
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“It is frustrating, but we’re responsible for that, too,” he said. “We had our chance, but it was . . . too little, too late. . . . If anything, it motivates you. That’s why I like watching these games. It fuels your fire.”
Campbell and the Lions became darlings to the NFL world following an 8-2 run to end the season. They were eliminated from the playoffs when the Seahawks defeated the Rams in Week 18.
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Campbell’s appearance also included discussion of his evolution to who he is now, and his reaction to Cowboys kicker Brett Maher’s fourth extra-point miss of the game.
When the Cowboys got the ball back while already up 24-0, his response was predictable: “I’m trying to go,” he said, referring to how the offense should be thinking. He was not in clock management mode.
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Campbell is nothing if not consistent. It’s why he’s beloved by NFL fans. Despite his easy-flowing answer, there’s no question he’d have loved a shot at the Cowboys, particularly after watching their domination of the Bucs through 2 1/2 quarters Monday.
