Lions' Dan Campbell Hypes Giants' 'Fresh Energy' Under Kafka After Brian Daboll Firing

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has been impressed with the New York Giants' atmosphere under interim head coach Mike Kafka.

"I think there was some fresh energy last week when you watched them against Green Bay," Campbell said Wednesday, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "Sometimes it's just that newness. Just the change itself, something a little different or a little new can spark you. There was a little bit of that. They've always played hard, watch the tape, these guys played hard in September, October, early November. But there's probably a little bit of that, and they had a chance to beat Green Bay."

Kafka became New York's interim head coach after Brian Daboll was fired once the team opened the 2025 season with a 2-8 record on Nov. 10.

The Giants suffered a 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday during Kafta's first game patrolling the sidelines, although they put up an impressive fight considering the amount of injuries they were dealing with.

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New York entered the clash with Green Bay missing quarterback Jaxson Dart, running back Cam Skattebo, wide receivers Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton, pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, defensive end Chauncey Golston and defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches.

With veteran Jameis Winston starting under center, the Giants took an early 7-0 lead before they were tied 13-13 at the half against a Packers squad that entered the game with a 5-3-1 record.

While Green Bay pulled ahead in the second half, New York had a late opportunity to tie the game in the fourth quarter before Winston was picked off in the Packers' end zone.

Campbell is familiar with Kafka's situation, as he previously served as interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2015 before taking over his current role with the Lions in 2021.

Detroit and New York are set to face off in Week 12, with kickoff on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.