Dan Campbell Prepares Lions for ‘Tricky’ Challenge Against High-Flying Cardinals

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is gearing up for his team’s road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, acknowledging the complexities the Cardinals bring to the field. After a thrilling overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams and a close call with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions, with their Super Bowl aspirations, are now set to face an Arizona squad that delivered one of the standout performances of Week 2.

Campbell described the Cardinals’ gameplay as “tricky” on both sides of the ball, noting their diverse schemes and relentless effort. “Schematically, they throw a lot at you,” Campbell remarked. “They’re not unorthodox, but they do keep you guessing. They’re very active, and offensively, they bring multiple personnel groups, playing with intensity and physicality.”

He also highlighted key players in the Arizona offense, singling out quarterback Kyler Murray as a major threat. “When Murray gets loose, he’s a real danger—always has been. They’ve also got weapons in the receiving corps, and their backfield is heavy.”

Campbell’s comment on the “heavy” backfield refers to the powerhouse combination of James Conner and rookie Trey Benson. Conner’s bruising style was evident in his 122-yard performance against the Rams, while Benson adds another physical dimension.

Beyond Arizona’s offense, Campbell also praised the defense, led by coordinator Nick Rallis, for its unpredictability. “Defensively, they give you a lot of different looks. We’ve just come off a game against a team with a similar approach, so hopefully, we’re better prepared to adjust on the fly.”

Despite the challenge ahead, Campbell is clear: Arizona is playing at a high level, and the Lions must be ready for a tough, physical battle.