Emotional All-Pro LB Campbell shoulders blame after Lions fail to contain Bills

Emotional All-Pro LB Campbell shoulders blame after Lions fail to contain Bills. Skip to main content Skip to navigation Emotional All-Pro LB Campbell shoulders blame after Lions fail to contain BillsDetroit Lions11hEric WoodyardSource: Bills WR Moore day-to-day with shoulder injuryBuffalo Bills15hJudy BattistaLions DB Maddox exits TNF loss with foot injuryDetroit Lions15hEric WoodyardNFL Power Rankings: Our post-Week 1 poll of all 32 teams, plus the best non-QB debutsKansas City Chiefs3dNFL NationEverything you need to know for NFL Week 2: 15 games on deck, 15 previews from our reporters and expertsNew York Giants7hNFL Nation, +4 MoreNFL Week 2 buzz: QB questions in Seattle, Minnesota and Atlanta?

What happened

Y. — Jack Campbell fought back tears while reflecting on the Detroit Lions' 41-31 Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. The All-Pro linebacker shouldered the blame for the team's poor defensive effort in an emotional postgame interview inside the visitors' locker room of the new Highmark Stadium, taking full accountability. "Campbell finished with six tackles and a QB hit against the Bills, but Detroit's defense has allowed at least 30 points in back-to-back games, falling to 1-1.

This marks the Lions' first time allowing at least 30 points in the first two games of a regular season since 2021 — the first two contests of the Dan Campbell era in Detroit. "Jack Campbell refused to blame the team's poor defensive effort, during which they fell behind 21-0 in the first half, on coaching, the short week or anything other than himself. Jack Campbell fought back tears while reflecting on Detroit's poor defensive effort in Thursday night's loss in Buffalo.

Arizona Cardinals3dESPN staffNFL win rate metrics leaderboard: Ranking the best in pass rushing, run stopping and blocking3dESPN AnalyticsplayHarry Douglas: The Lions 'missed their Super Bowl window' (1:59)Eric WoodyardSep 18, 2026, 01:58 AM ETCloseEric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN.

The wider picture

The secondary continued to struggle against Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who accounted for five total touchdowns. The Lions also have allowed 30-plus points in five of their past eight regular-season contests, dating to last year. On Thursday night, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson admitted that they "were not good enough. "The Lions were no match for Buffalo in the first half, as neither the defense nor the offense could find a groove. By halftime, Detroit trailed 27-10, and Dan Campbell was heated entering the locker room.

He couldn't contain his emotions on live television, expressing that "the little s— is killing us. "Thursday's game also marked the first regular-season contest at the new Highmark Stadium, and the Lions exited with a humbling experience. That's not good enough, but like I told the guys, 'At least you know now. ' At least we know what it looks like now," Dan Campbell said.

What has been reported

Seattle Seahawks2dJeremy Fowler and Dan GrazianoJoey Porter Jr. 's future in Pittsburgh? 'Don't know if he ever puts on a Steelers uniform again'Pittsburgh Steelers7hBrooke Pryor and Jeremy Fowler'It's not all on him': Titans remain patient with Cam Ward despite 'rough' openerTennessee Titans7hTurron DavenportWhy the Chiefs believe rookie class is key to AFC West4hNate TaylorCards' Marvin Harrison Jr. looking for big rebound game4hJosh WeinfussSaints QB Tyler Shough expects less jitters vs.

Ravens4hKatherine TerrellRavens want Rashod Bateman to step up if Zay Flowers is out4hJamison HensleyI caught a TD pass from Dak: 9 stories as Prescott nears Romo's Cowboys recordDallas Cowboys2dTodd ArcherNFL Power Rankings: Our post-Week 1 poll of all 32 teams, plus the best non-QB debutsKansas City Chiefs3dNFL NationNFL Week 2 best bets for Sunday afternoon's gamesCincinnati Bengals7hBen Solak, +2 MoreTop predicted anytime TD scorers for Week 21dMike Clay'It hurts real bad': Bucs QB Baker Mayfield dons Michigan tank as Todd Bowles trolls onTampa Bay Buccaneers2dJenna LaineLooking back at NFLPA report cards — team travel edition: Who pays for the best planes, hotels?

Los Angeles Rams3dSarah BarshopDon't be surprised if. . . Malik Willis is a top-10 fantasy QB this season7hEric KarabellUnwavering confidence in Loveland, concern for Pitts and more Week 2 insights7hAdam RankNFL playoff picture: Updated projections, chances to make the postseason3dESPN staffProjecting the 2027 NFL draft order: Which teams could have an early pick? He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021.

The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted," "Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". Follow on XMultiple AuthorsEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsORCHARD PARK, N. "And I ain't got no other thing to do but look in the mirror and be better so that's really where it starts.

What happens next

It starts with us, but yeah, they did a good job. Detroit has allowed 63 first downs this season, tied with the 1985 Indianapolis Colts for second most through two games and one behind the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs (66), according to ESPN Research. " However, he expressed certainty that change is coming. "Things will definitely be changed," said Hutchinson, who logged three tackles, a sack and two QB hits. "I don't know what that is necessarily, but I know there will be changes.

We're not going to keep banging our head against the wall. He made no excuses while vowing to come back better next week against the New York Jets at home.