Dan Campbell Rips Lions, Warns Players Could Be Cut After Loss in Hall of Fame Game

It's safe to say Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell was none too pleased with his team's effort in a 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Campbell was particularly frustrated with the Lions' five turnovers to the point he warned that some players could be cut if things don't improve.

"We turned it over five times and we didn’t get any takeaways," Campbell said. "You’re wearing Lions gear, you’ve got to take care of the ball, or it’s going to be hard to keep you around."

Some of the criticism belongs to Campbell for his decision-making. For example, linebacker Grant Stuard was the return man on the opening kickoff. He fumbled the ball, giving it to the Chargers on Detroit's 28-yard line.

Stuard did have some experience as a running back in college, but he hasn't carried the ball in a regulation game since 2018. That was one of two special-teams miscues for the Lions. Jakobie Keeney-James muffed a punt that was recovered by Los Angeles after the Detroit defense forced a three-and-out to open the third quarter.

Their first four possessions ended in a lost fumble, three-and-out, interception and interception. Their best drive of the game was a 15-play, 60-yard march down the field that ended with a Craig Reynolds rushing touchdown late in the second quarter.

Detroit's offense was held to just 197 yards and 3.9 yards per play. The defense was getting picked apart by Trey Lance. The former No. 3 overall pick, who started at quarterback for the Chargers, went 13-of-20 for 120 yards and two touchdowns

This marks the second straight game the Lions have committed five turnovers. Their 2024 season ended with a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round when they also committed five turnovers.

The Lions will seek to redeem themselves in their next preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Aug. 8.