DETROIT – After the Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings for the second time in the most crucial game of the NFL season, Dan Campbell had a message for Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The two teams faced off on Sunday Night Football, with the NFC North title and the No. 1 playoff seed at stake. Both squads were 14-2, and the loser would be relegated to a wildcard spot and a road playoff game.
The game remained tight for most of the first three quarters, but the Lions emerged victorious, powered by an outstanding defensive performance and a string of three consecutive touchdown drives in the second half.
When Campbell met O’Connell for the postgame handshake, he told him, “I’ll see you in two weeks.”
Campbell wasn’t joking. There’s a real possibility this could happen. If the Vikings defeat the Rams, the Eagles beat the Packers, and the Buccaneers take down the Commanders, the Vikings could return to Ford Field for the divisional round.
This year’s NFC North was a brutal competition, with the 15-2 Lions, 14-3 Vikings, and 11-6 Packers all making the playoffs. While the Lions finished 6-0 within the division, they would likely prefer not to face a seventh game in the postseason.
More news……
Lions Cut WR, include Cornerback to Practice Squad
ALLEN PARK – The Detroit Lions have released wide receiver Tom Kennedy as Kalif Raymond inches closer to returning from injured reserve.
Raymond, who has been back on the practice field for the past couple of weeks after suffering a foot injury against the Indianapolis Colts last month, could rejoin the team before the regular season ends. He was ruled out last week, but remains a potential option for a late-season return. Raymond has been fully participating in both practices this week.
In Raymond’s absence, Kennedy has stepped in as a returner. He is familiar with the process of moving between the active roster and the practice squad. Kennedy has played in four games this season, returning one punt and six kickoffs.
The Lions also re-signed defensive back Morice Norris to their practice squad. Norris, who was added to the 53-man roster last week, participated in 20 special teams snaps. Most of his season has been spent on Detroit’s practice squad. Norris, an undrafted rookie free agent, played college football at Orange Coast and Fresno State before joining the Lions.
