The coordinators of the Detroit Lions assert that in order for the team to succeed, this needs to be fixed.

The Detroit Lions are aware that they have some housekeeping to do: “There are things we need to get done.”

For teams in contention, the old NFL saying goes, “The season really starts after Thanksgiving.” Not surprisingly, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions believes the same thing.

“This year feels kind of that way, and that’s a good thing.” stated Johnson.

Despite losing to the Green Bay Packers 29–22 on Thanksgiving, Detroit is still in control of its postseason fate as it leads the NFC North with an 8–3 record.

In order to begin their “real season,” the Lions need to make a few corrections, most notably addressing the turnover problem, improving offensive blocking, and developing defensive momentum. It all begins in Week 13 with a rematch with the New Orleans Saints, an old opponent. Head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who served as assistant coaches in New Orleans from 2016 to 20, will be getting back together in a way.

DYNAMIC DUO: It’s difficult to find a better running back tandem in the league, according to the Detroit Lions.

Glenn and Johnson discussed the team’s need to get better on both sides of the ball on Thursday as they got ready to play New Orleans, who is currently 5-6 after losing to the Atlanta Falcons 24–15. Before the game on Thursday, these were the coordinators’ statements.

Aaron Glenn, coordinator of defense

The main topic of discussion on defense during the week was how the team can close the season strong after conceding 31 points per game in the previous three weeks. While Glenn acknowledged that the defense made some stops last week after turnovers put them in an unfavorable position, he ultimately wants to see improvement in every area of the defense and see the team finish the season on a positive note.

Glenn said, “We all know that we have things to work on.” That’s what we want to do every week, then. We are making an effort to verify that this is the course we are taking. This is used in pass-rush, run-pass, and run-relay games and also entails taking away the ball.

Due to an injury sustained on Thanksgiving, Alex Anzalone will not be calling defensive plays for Detroit against his former team. Instead, Jack Campbell, a rookie middle linebacker, will take his place. Glenn is optimistic that Campbell can assume the leadership role of the defense and act as the voice relaying player with ease.

TEAR IT UP: Jared Goff, the quarterback for the Detroit Lions, is “confident” that the ball-security problems won’t resurface.

Glenn remarked, “He has to be the one to write all those checks.” “He’s a tough, intelligent, and intoxicated guy who can do that.” These are the times he was made for. I’m excited for him to serve as the defense’s official spokesperson.

The Saints rank 12th in total offense (347.1 yards per game) and 18th in scoring offense (20.8 points per game) going into the contest. Alvin Kamara, the tight end, and Taysom Hill, the running back, pose the greatest threats because they can play different positions on the field. Despite missing the first three games of the season due to suspension, Kamara has the most receptions (54), and third-most receiving yards of any running back in the NFL this season.

Although Hill’s primary position is tight end, he can also be used as a quarterback in certain packages and as a running back for short yards. Detroit is aware of his versatility, and Glenn stated that the defense will be prepared with various lineups based on his positioning.

Glenn stated, “You really just never know where he’s going to line up a good portion of the time when you’re defending him.” That means you have to be on cue all the time. Depending on his position, we’re going to play different defenses. And we need to stay ahead of that.

In addition to facing his former position coach, Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who mentored Glenn while Allen was New Orleans’ backup coach in 2008, Glenn is looking forward to the challenge against the team he used to coach.

Glenn remarked, “We are going to play a really good team—a team I know well.” Many of the same participants are still present. I am really familiar with both the head coach and the coaching staff. I am eager to take on the challenge.

Updated back on practice: Hendon Hooker, a quarterback for the Detroit Lions, aims to “show them that I belong.”

Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator

How to reduce turnovers, which have put Detroit behind the eight ball for the past two weeks, was the primary offensive focus. In the past two games, the Lions have committed seven turnovers, six of which were committed by quarterback Jared Goff. This has prevented the team from scoring and forced the defense to make more stops on short fields.

Despite spending a significant portion of practice this week concentrating on ball security, Johnson stated that it was the primary problem and expressed no concern about the offense’s chances for the remainder of the season.

“It’s obvious that turnovers are the problem,” Johnson stated. “We’re addressing it, our guys are aware of it, and we’ll feel good heading into the next six games of the season if we clean that up.”

A more obvious problem in the Thanksgiving defeat was Detroit’s incapacity to regularly obstruct Green Bay’s defensive line. Johnson said that the Packers’ three sack total and twelve quarterback hits were among the lowest of the offensive line’s performances over the previous 18 months. He expressed confidence that the group will react “really well.”

According to Johnson, “it really showed up more in critical situations.” “Jared is getting hit on a few of those fourth downs. On third downs, Jared is being tackled. We will clear that up since it is obvious that we don’t want any of that.