LIONS HEAD COACH DAN CAMPBELL AND LIONS QB JARED GOFF MINICAMP QUOTE SHEET

LIONS HEAD COACH DAN CAMPBELL MINICAMP QUOTE SHEET
June 7, 2022
Opening Statement:
“So really, minicamp, nothing really changes for us. The practices will be the same, the only thing is we’ll have them in the building a little bit longer because now we can watch practice, afterwards clean up the corrections here in the building and then we’ll have a couple of meetings after that. But really, the practices are pretty much the same, so really just trying to clean up everything we’ve had the first couple of weeks and what we haven’t faced too. We’re looking to eliminate mental errors, that’s the big thing, that’s the focus for our guys.”
On how they can improve redzone efficiency on offense and defense: “Yeah, the first thing I looked at is we’ve got to score touchdowns. I mean, look, there’s a number of things. Defensively, some of it, we’ve got to apply pressure up front, which there are a number of things that falls into that is more coverage and rush. Offensively, I would say that we shot ourselves in the foot a ton. We got down there and penalties were crucial. Hell, we got down to Atlanta three different times and backed ourselves right out of there with penalties. Those are self-induced. Just a number of little things that we have to clean up. But I think that’s what this time of year kind of helps you with. At least it gives you a starting point on things that you’ve researched. We’ve looked at other teams, some of the top teams in our League, offensively and defensively. You take some of what they do, and you feel like it’s things you can do with your personnel. This is the time to find out a little bit, and if it is, then you continue it during training camp and if it’s not, then you dump it and you look for the next thing. That’s kind of where we’re at.”
On the examples he watched of other teams around the League this spring: “A lot of it is defensively, not a lot of it, some of it is offensively too. But I just think the mix of our coverages a little bit and you don’t have to live in all the worlds. There’s a number of teams – some of the better teams, Seattle for years – this is what they do, they know exactly what they do, they know their own weaknesses and good luck trying to exploit them. Even though, you know where the holes are, so do they and they’re really good at it. Some other teams, they mixed up their coverages and you could never get a good beat on what they were. So, I feel like some of that was you kind of hang your hat on what we have this year and what we use. But when you look at what Kansas City has done, and when you look at kind of what Baltimore’s done, when you look at some of these teams, Cincinnati has done some really good things. Just subtleties in what you do coverage-wise and then, there again, so much of it is predicated on your rush too. It makes a huge difference.”
On the differences in their approach from last offseason to this offseason: “I think, I told (Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn) AG this morning, sitting in there in the defensive room and he’s going through some of the things from last week, cleaning it up and talking about this week. There’s things that are being taught now, we’re just to a little different level. We’re at a higher level now. We’re kind of beyond some of the remedial things than what we had to do last year. Because we had just come in, it’s a new system, it’s everything. We’re all trying to figure each other out, and so now that you guys know what we’re doing, these players know what we’re asking them to do. We’re just at a higher level intellectually as it pertains to football, which is a good thing, and it’s really on both sides of the ball. That’s where I can definitely feel it right now. Let me say this, our energy level – look, energy was good last year, but I feel like these guys are really competing and flying around out there. Look, we’ve got some of our young guys a little more developed. We got a little bit more talent and the more talent you have the better you make the other talent around you and they just kind of push each other. Those two things I do feel and do see relative to last year.”
On Lions QB Jared Goff and his comfort level this season as opposed to last season: “I have no red flags with him. He looks good out there. He’s got a good grasp of our offense and what we’re doing. He’s commanding the huddle, he’s throwing the ball well, that’s something that I feel like he does well. That’s one of his strengths, he’s a pretty accurate passer, and so I would say up to this point he’s having a pretty good spring.”
On Lions NT Alim McNeill’s progression from last year to this year: “‘Buttercup?’ He’s a stud. This guy, he’s been here since day one. Since day one, day one. Shoot man, he’s arguably the strongest pound-for -pound player that we have. We’re got some strong guys in this team, but he’s definitely up there and works his rear off. So, I’m bubbling about him and then some, so give me the question again.”
On Lions NT Alim McNeill’s progression and how he fits into the defensive scheme: “Yeah look, here’s the thing—Mac’s got—we really feel like Mac’s got more versatility than maybe what we thought may have appeared when we drafted him. We really liked the player, but I know last year once we got him here, we were like, ‘Man, this guy has got really good feet and moves well,’ and then just watching his transformation through the year and watching him grow, it’s been good. I think some of the things that we are doing defensively, a little bit more of this attack, we’re going serve him well because he’s got a quick first step. He’s got real good feet and he is powerful. And so, when you’re built the way he is and has kind of the tools that he has, he could be somewhat problematic for an offensive line. He is progressing well and he’s another one of those guys, we look at him and he’s one of those guys that’s the core of our team.”
On the growth of the young defensive linemen: “Well, I think that the idea. I think that’s what you want. You want this this young corps to continue grow and develop and then we’re looking back here this year, next year, the year after and these guys are a terror in the League, a D-line that nobody wants to face because, yes, they do have talent, but they’re also relentless and they’re smart and hardworking. I think that’s the idea. That was kind of the vision that (Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager) Brad (Holmes) and I had the whole time.”
On if he pays attention to the national attention the Lions are receiving this offseason: “I mean, that’s—yeah, just take it as it comes.”
On how Lions QB Jared Goff has improved from last season: “I would say this—I just know physically, from this time last year, I feel like his feet and his procedure is quicker than it was and (Lions Offensive Coordinator) Ben (Johnson) and (Lions Quarterbacks Coach Mark Brunell) Bru are doing a good job of really pushing him and pushing his fundamentals and just really honing in on that little stuff that sometimes you get sold. You get so enamored and so worried about the scheme and where the ball is supposed to go and some of the little things that sometimes you forget about, and we felt like it was going to be vital for him. Like, ‘Let’s hone him back in on his fundamentals and get him to play a little quicker and finish through his throws but, get his head around, flip his hips and just some of these things working to his left.’ And I feel like those things have shown up and I do see improvement there right now.“
On how valuable Lions G Halapoulivaati Vaitai was in Lions T Penei Servell’s development as a rookie: “Yeah, I think it was big. I mean, those guys, go and drink cava together at night. It’s been good. It’s been good because Big V, he’s kind of a calming presence. He is smart. He’s a veteran guy who has been there. And so, that was somebody that he did gravitate to early that did just kind of help him along the way. And so, they a have a great relationship, really the whole O-line does, and they do hang out a lot. And then, but he has he’s been somebody that I know that he he’s take a lot from and asked a lot of questions and it’s helped him along the way, so it certainly is vital.”
On his nicknames for Lions NT Alim McNeill: “I love giving Mac nicknames. He is a character. He is.”
On if there are any players absent from minicamp this week: “Yeah, the only one would be (John) Penisini, and I am going to see him tonight. Other than that, everybody’s pretty good. There’ll be some that you’ll see that are at practice and some that aren’t and some of those are just sort of nagging injuries, some of those are other things that maybe come up.”
On Lions NT John Penisini being absent from day one of minicamp: “Yeah, I know what’s going on with him, so he’s good.”

LIONS QB JARED GOFF MINICAMP QUOTE SHEET
June 7, 2022
On the offense’s progression up to this point in the offseason program: “I just think where we are with our offense, and how far along we are in the spring as far as just getting stuff in being able to rep it and feeling comfortable with what we have so far is a lot further along than last year. It feels good.”
On his comfortability in his second year within the offensive scheme: “The same thing, just being comfortable within that.”
On his relationship with Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson: “Yeah, it’s good. A lot of work to do. Our relationship is just building, but we have great relationship. I think the best thing about him is he listens, and he has a reason why, and he will give me a hard time about asking sometimes, but he always a reason and that’s what I appreciate.”
On how the wide receiver corps will open up the offense this season: “It’s exciting. It will stretch the field. It will scare defenses in a way that it will open some underneath stuff, so a little bit both of that as well as screens and shorter throws can go a lot longer with those guys. It’s always good to have guys that can run.”
On how Lions T.J. Hockenson’s strengths can complement the weapons on offense: “Absolutely, T.J. is a unique player and somebody that needs to take advantage of his full skillset. Like you said, no one knows him better than (Offensive Coordinator) Ben (Johnson), so having him in that spot to able to make those decisions and draw things up is helpful. He has done a great job creatively, with not just T.J., but (D’Andre) Swift, DJ (Chark), (Amon-Ra St. Brown) Saint, Josh (Reynolds) and all those guys getting them in the right place and right time.”
On if the offense feels different going into the season with fewer injuries: “Yeah, it is totally different. We are on a totally different offense, and we have new some players. I think there’s definitely some confidence that you can gain from that, being able to play well, and being able to win some games. I think specifically for the young guys just understanding what it looks like. I mean, you think about (Amon-Ra) St. Brown, he’s coming in this year with a lot of confidence, as he should. He is a great player. Would he feel that way had we not finish the way we did? I don’t know, but the way he finished is why he feels that way, and he should feel that way.”
On if he pays attention to the national attention the Lions are receiving this offseason: “I don’t care. We have a lot of work to do. If we win, great. If we don’t not great. We need win, and we will be ready to go.”
On the talent of the Lions roster: “Really good. We have talent, but it takes a lot of work, and we are in the work phase right now of putting stuff in and getting comfortable with it and feeling good so far. It’s been a good progression up to this point. But a lot of work to do, and I think the exciting part is we do have the talent, and I feel confident in myself obviously up front. We are really talented, so all the pieces are there. So, we’ve got to put it together and put in the work in and do the right thing.
On his excitement level to play with Lions WR Jameson Williams: “Very excited. He is a special talent, and I’m just like, ‘Get him back.’ I know they are going to make sure he is as healthy as possible. Selfishly, I want him back as soon as possible, but he is staying engaged, he’s got his script in his hand, he’s seeing his plays, and doing good a job. He is obviously a great talent, but a great part of our team. I expect him to grow into his role nicely.”
On how Lions WR Jameson Williams’ talent fits into the offense: “It’s great. Anytime you can get a talent like that, a weapon, and get a chance to throw to a guy like that, it’s exciting.”
On Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson believing he could have the best season of his career: “Yeah, I have that expectation as well. It’s always that my expectation, but this year I feel like it’s attainable. The talent we have, the coaches, the O-line we have, I feel like there’s no reason not to. So, it’s going take a lot of work and we know that, and we’re still not even close to where we need to be, but the work is being put in now, and we are on our way.”
On how the offense can take it to the next level: “Just being consistent and remaining consistent and having a full grasp of what we are doing offensively, and again that’s what we’re doing right now is creating that comfortability and getting to that point.”
On what is different from last year’s offense to now: “The mix in tempos. I think the stuff we are doing, sometimes we are breaking the huddle fast and snapping it. Sometimes we’re in no-huddle. We have the ability to be in no-huddle quite a bit if we need to be, and then we have the ability to slow things down as well. So, mixing the tempos.”
On how Lions QB David Blough has looked during practice: “Yeah, he’s always been a ‘Steady Eddie’ and has always done his job right. He has playing experience and I’ve seen his playing experience on film and just always did his job. Obviously, he had a great day today and has continued to play well. A guy that’s always good in the room and helpful for me, a guy that I’ve seen get more accurate and get really good.”
On what he remembers of his transition from year one to year two: “It’s the biggest jump you’ll take typically, and it was for me, no doubt. You’ll get more comfortable, you’ll get your feet underneath you, you’ll get more confident and you know what you’re doing. You know your way around the building. You’re now an NFL player, you’re not a rookie anymore and all that comes together. You know how the travel works, you know the road games, the home games, all that stuff works and plays into how good you’re going to play.”
On sitting down to watch film with Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson this offseason: “Yeah, we watched a lot of stuff. We watched my old stuff, stuff that he likes from his past, just kind of went through every piece of the pass game as far as how we want to build it and how he wants to build it mostly. I think the part that was most exciting for me was the influence he was allowing me to have, asking me, and really curious about what I thought and what I liked – genuinely curious because it’s now a part of what we’re doing, so I know it wasn’t fake. It’s exciting for me being in year seven now and feeling like I’ve earned kind of having that voice a little bit that he’s given to me, which has been fun.”
On his success with play-action play calls in the past: “We were great at that for a long time out in L.A. and something that we’ve got some good clips of, so, does he though. But there were some things that we did that he was asking about, and it was good.”
On if he has gotten insight into what Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell would like to see from the offense this season: “I think you guys saw it, there were some games where we were just trying to manage the game there. I thought Dan did a great job when he called as well and whoever it may be, we’ll be fine.”
On working through kinks on offense completely to prepare for Week 1: “No you can’t, the League’s too good you have to be ready to go Week 1, but that’s what this time is for. It’s to work those kinks out and getting ourselves to a point come Week 1 where we feel good and feel ready to go. That’s when the mistakes are made, during this period. We’re trying to pick up an offense and understand what we’re doing, we want to limit those mistakes but over the last couple of weeks there are some things that need to get ironed out. That’s what we’ve done, and it feels good.”
On how different he feels entering this offseason: “Absolutely, I feel a lot different. I feel, again, the same way from year one to year two that I was speaking of. You know your way around the building, you know the coaches, you know the front office, you know everybody in here. You’re able to walk around a little bit more confidently, knowing your place.”
On Lions WR Jameson Williams’ future and getting him involved amidst injury: “I just think doing my best to keep him involved and making sure he feels a part of what we’re doing and I’m not the only one, the coaches are doing that too, the trainers and everybody. I think that’s what happens sometimes when these guys have these long rehabs is you feel like you’re not quite a part of it. I mean, I had long rehabs in the offseason, so just making sure he feels loved and knows he’s a part of what we’re doing. It’s going to be a big part of what we’re doing obviously, hopefully sooner or later but we’ll see.”
On what he has seen on Lions WR Jameson Williams’ tape: “I mean I watched his highlight tape on draft night, about 15 minutes of it or whatever it was. But yeah, he’s a really good player, he’s obviously extremely talented. I think what jumps off the screen, first of all, is his ability to make people miss with the ball in his hands. Obviously, his speed is second-to-none, so a weapon for us for sure whenever he’s ready to go and I know they’ll be careful with him. But again, I’m going to want him out there as soon as he’s ready.”