Benjamin Raven

“I guess how I am, (expletive), you could kick me 1,000 times and I’m still going to be with the people -- I know what they put into it. I know what they sacrifice."

Campbell knows it wasn't perfect. But the Lions pulled one out to move to 2-1 in exactly the type of game the Lions coach expected -- a 60-minute back-and-forth battle.

“Let’s find out why and let’s get that answered. So, on Monday, that’s how we attacked this week. We didn’t even focus on the Jets. We focused on ourselves. We reviewed the Buffalo game, but we also pulled from the New Orleans game”

Petzing credited Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski for helping instill that in his coaching methods. He said Stefanski pushed him to ask questions, bring his previous experience and ideas, and not be afraid to speak up to work things out as a group.

“I’m so excited for that player. When I say it, it’s almost emotional because I know what he wanted to be last year and he just couldn’t."

Meeks made a massive impact on the outcome of Saturday's game and was recognized by PFF as the team's highest-graded offensive player. McCreary also enjoyed a needed strong showing.

“You want to be great. Just stay the course. With TeSlaa, I don’t feel like you need to (say anything) with him now. It doesn’t mean I won’t say something."

The Lions coach explained the Branch plan for the two has their sights set on getting the pair back “down the road” and when “the season’s already begun.”

Until then, let’s run through more pad-free observations, featuring a ton of work from inside the 20-yard line for the Detroit Lions. The defense enjoyed a strong showing.

The former third-round pick signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after spending one season in Miami.