3 main ways Dan Campbell wants to see Detroit Lions improve after bye week

Campbell identifies turnovers, red zone efficiency, third-quarter play as areas to improve.

DETROIT – Dan Campbell outlined three specific ways he wants the Detroit Lions to improve during the second half of the season.

Campbell spoke for the first time since the team’s bye week on Monday. The Lions are currently 6-2 and first in the NFC North, but there are still some things that need to be worked on.

Turnovers, the greatest equalizer in sports, are a point of emphasis for almost every football coach. Campbell is no exception.

So far this season, Detroit has been in the middle of the pack in terms of turnover margin. The Lions have thrown five interceptions and lost five fumbles while intercepting seven passes and recovering three.

For the mathematically challenged, that equates to a turnover margin of exactly zero.

That’s not bad, but it means the Lions are passing up an opportunity to capitalize on one of football’s most pivotal plays. Except for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who aren’t bad either), the NFL has 11 teams with a positive turnover differential, and all but one of them are playoff contenders.

There are, on the other hand, 16 teams with a negative turnover differential. It is still possible to be successful in this league, after all, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs are in it, but it is much more difficult.

Campbell believes his team can improve in this area. Jared Goff is known for taking care of the football, and David Montgomery has already lost two fumbles in four and a half games.

Although the Lions’ defense ranks in the top half of the league in interceptions, only three teams have recovered more fumbles than them. Fumbles are inherently unpredictable, but the Lions can try to make more plays with the ball.

Red zone effectiveness

Campbell also wants his team to be more efficient in the red zone, on both sides of the ball, but particularly on offense.

He believes the Lions must improve on late downs in order to convert more red zone opportunities into touchdowns.