Dan Campbell says Lions need more pass rush, still exploring trades

After reviewing film from the Detroit Lions' last game against the Minnesota Vikings, coach Dan Campbell came to an important conclusion about his defense.

“One area where we could have been better was some things where our coverage was really (covering) — we asked them to do a lot, and they had to hold a little bit,” Campbell said in his Monday presser. “So, there were a lot of things where we rushed things, we went over there a few times. To answer your question, we need a little more (pressure). There have been a few (plays) that have been long, some of them you want to believe we can get somebody there a little bit early.”

In fact, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was able to hold onto the ball for far too long, putting extra pressure on the Lions secondary against a good group of Minnesota receivers. Darnold averaged 3.4 seconds from snap to throw, the longest of any quarterback against the Lions defense this season, according to Fantasy Points.

Campbell noted in the press conference that defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn did a great job creating pressure, giving them a fighting chance without Aidan Hutchinson.

But in a one-on-one interview with Dan Miller later that day, Campbell noted that both the coaching staff and general manager Brad Holmes were still exploring options to bolster the staff on the defensive line, including a possible trade.

“We need a little (more pressure),” Campbell said. “Whether it's someone from home, we do things a little differently, or it's a trade. See, Brad is still watching everything. It's not like we've turned our backs on it (and) no one is looking or seeing anything. So, we'll figure it out, but until then we'll find what we need here. If we need to try some guys—we've still got Isaiah Thomas, we've got (Mitchell) Agude, we've got Al-(Quadin) Muhammad that we've brought in. So we can let those guys go. We're open to finding out what we can.”

The NFL trade deadline is just two weeks away (Tuesday, Nov. 5), and it's unclear who, if anyone, the Lions might target. They reportedly contacted the Jets about Hasson Reddick, but the New York defender settled his contract dispute with the Jets and is returning to the team this week. We've heard Za'Darius Smith talk openly about how he wants to join the Lions, but there's been no report on whether the feeling is mutual.

The Lions have consistently said since Hutchinson's injury that they will watch, but they won't rush into decisions or act rashly.

“Everything has to be right,” Campbell said last week. “And honestly, where we are now, we're in no rush. I mean, I trust the people here. I believe in that D-line. That doesn't mean we're not watching, we're not evaluating. Brad Hall, it's his job and he's good at it and we'll take it as it comes. But our eyes are open, and we want to make sure we have what we need here.”