It’s Week 11, and the Detroit Lions are taking on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. With the Eagles currently leading, offense hasn’t been the name of the game for either team.
Earlier, the Lions head coach announced he’d be permanently taking over play-calling duties. During the game, Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe kept it candid on social media when talking about how Dan Campbell was calling the game.
Shannon Sharpe Questions Dan Campbell’s Play-Calling
Last week, Campbell took over playcalling duties in the team’s 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders. Coming into tonight, the new permanent playcaller looked to keep that pace against the Eagles.
That did not happen, and the poor offensive performance led Sharpe to question Campbell’s playcalling. He said, “Campbell you’re calling plays like the guy you took the playing calling from? I’m really confused #sundaynightfootball #LionsEagles.”
Campbell you’re calling plays like the guy you took the playing calling from? I’m really confused #sundaynightfootball #LionsEagles.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) November 17, 2025
A lot of fans share the same feeling. What are some of these playcalls?
A good explanation for the difference in offensive performances over the past two weeks is the level of competition the Lions are facing.
For example, Campbell coached the Lions to 44 points against the Commanders’ defense. According to PFSN’s Defensive Impact metrics, the Commanders rank 30th in the league. Furthermore, they’re allowing opposing offenses to score 26.9 points per game, pass for 249.5 yards per game, rush for 137.5 yards per game, and only average 0.5 takeaways per game. Their defense isn’t really technically sound.
In comparison, the Eagles rank as the 13th in the league according to PFSN’s Defensive Impact metrics. They’re allowing only 21.3 points per game, 209.3 passing yards per game, 118.6 rushing yards per game, and one takeaway per game. Clearly, the Eagles are a much more sound defense, led by players like Zach Baun, Quinyon Mitchell, and newly acquired Jaelen Phillips.
With a 6-3 record this season, pending the outcome of the Eagles game, the Lions rank 6th in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metrics. Campbell and team are averaging 31.4 points per game, 236.1 passing yards, and 136.3 rushing yards, and have scored 35 total touchdowns on the season.
The offense is led by quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, all of whom form a dangerous running and passing game.
Whether last week’s win against the Commanders was a fluke or the Lions are just that good is yet to be determined. However, Campbell and the offense will need to step up to win the game.