TV cameras caught Lions' Dan Campbell disrespecting Packers on SNF

Interesting...

Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions | Kevin Sabitus/GettyImages

It's not as if the Green Bay Packers needed more motivation. They lost five of their six divisional games this season, including all four against the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. Playoff football is here, and the Packers know they must overcome the odds to make a Super Bowl run.

After losing to the Lions on Thursday Night Football in Week 14, Packers coach Matt LaFleur said his team must "earn the right" to get a rematch against the Lions. If they defeat the Philadelphia Eagles next week, they will head back to Ford Field in the divisional round.

That is enough motivation. The Packers' regular-season record no longer counts. Win three games, and they are Super Bowl-bound, beginning next Sunday in Philadelphia.

However, some bulletin board material never hurts, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell inadvertently handed the Packers all the added motivation they could possibly ask for.

Dan Campbell predicts Packers playoff exit in postgame chat with Kevin O'Connell

The Lions destroyed the Vikings on Sunday Night Football in a battle for the No. 1 seed. Despite finishing 14-3, Minnesota had to settle for a wild-card berth as the No. 5 seed. However, Campbell made a notable comment after the game.

Speaking to Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, Campbell told him he will see him in two weeks. That might seem innocent enough, but the Packers can certainly take offense.

Here's why: Detroit will host the lowest remaining seed in the divisional round. If Campbell believes Minnesota will return to Ford Field, it means the No. 6-seeded Washington Commanders and No. 7 Packers must lose next week.

If the Packers beat the Eagles, they, and not the Vikings, will head to Detroit.

So, what Campbell is basically saying is that he thinks the Eagles will eliminate the Packers, the Commanders will lose, and the Vikings will be the only wild-card team to emerge from next week's games.

He clearly didn't watch last season's playoffs. Remember when the Packers entered a road game against another NFC East team? The Dallas Cowboys had a 12-5 record and had won 16 consecutive games at home. Then, Jordan Love arrived and led the Packers to a 48-32 win, and the Cowboys haven't been the same since. As Mike McCarthy used to say, the Packers are nobody's underdog.

Let's be honest: The Lions' rise was fun for a little bit, but it's about time they were humbled. Whether it's Amon-Ra St. Brown trashing Green Bay, Kerby Joseph feuding with Tucker Kraft, or now this comment from Campbell, the Packers should have a little extra motivation.

LaFleur should make his players aware of what he said, especially if the Packers punch their ticket back to Ford Field for a rematch.

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