Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph was the target of scrutiny after he delivered a low hit that injured Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee. On a throw over the middle of the field, Joseph’s hit upended the Rams’ pass catcher. After the injury occurred, the Lions’ second-year safety was deemed a dirty player by some. However, Lions’ coach Dan Campbell disputed that notion Wednesday by explaining the rationale behind the Illinois product’s decision to tackle Higbee.
“This is how we play football here. Just keep your head up and see what you hit. I’ll always tell Kerby that.” “Just keep your eyes up so you don’t hit on the crown of your helmet. You hit a spine, you mess yourself up there. Just see what you hit. But no, he was going for the thigh board, staying away from the head. This is how we play defense here. We’re not dirty, we just hit.” Baker Mayfield, with respect The Lions are aware of the stakes in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
They would go to the NFC Championship game and would be one victory away from playing in the Super Bowl with a victory. Campbell, though, isn’t allowing the team’s attention to drift from their upcoming foe. This next encounter presents a challenge because these two clubs played each other early in the season. The Lions prevailed 20-6 in that Week 6 matchup, which was considerably closer than the two-score differential indicates.
Campbell is well aware of the challenges Tampa Bay presents, especially given the caliber of players on their defense, namely Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. The Lions will also need to take into consideration veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is on the rise. After being passed over by the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns, Mayfield has experienced a comeback that has helped the Buccaneers win a postseason game.
“Look, he’s a problem the way he’s playing right now. He’s accurate and quick to get rid of the ball,” Campbell said. He can make such throws and his receivers are capable of making plays with the ball, in the air, and on the run after a catch if the pocket is not pushed. Look, I’ve always admired Baker from a distance; I was a huge admirer of his when he first came out.
Campbell revealed that while both Mayfield and Oklahoma tight end Blake Andrews were candidates in the pre-draft process, he had run into each other. During that session, in addition to his private workouts, Mayfield spent time throwing to each of the Sooners’ draft prospects. Campbell remarked, “That just says a lot about the guy.” “He’s the kind of teammate that makes it easy for people to support and follow him. Many guys wouldn’t take that action.”
Campbell revealed that while both Mayfield and Oklahoma tight end Blake Andrews were candidates in the pre-draft process, he had run into each other. During that session, in addition to his private workouts, Mayfield spent time throwing to each of the Sooners’ draft prospects. Campbell remarked, “That just says a lot about the guy.” “He’s the kind of teammate that makes it easy for people to support and follow him. Many guys wouldn’t take that action.”
