Jack Campbell fought back tears in the visitors’ locker room on Thursday night after the Detroit Lions lost to the Buffalo Bills, 41-31, in the first regular-season game at the new Highmark Stadium.
The All-Pro linebacker and team captain blamed himself for a defense that allowed Josh Allen to score five total touchdowns and James Cook to rush for 135 yards. Detroit fell to 1-1 after giving up 30 or more points in consecutive games.
“I played terrible. It starts with me, and I feel like it’s on me. I gotta be better,” Campbell said, his voice cracking. “I ain’t got no other thing to do but look in the mirror and be better.”
Buffalo jumped to a 21-0 lead and led 27-10 at halftime. Cook broke a 35-yard run after tight end Dawson Knox blocked Campbell. The Bills finished with 203 rushing yards and 446 yards of total offense. The Lions rallied to within 10 points in the third quarter before Buffalo pulled away.
Campbell recorded six tackles and a QB hit. He led the NFL in run stops last season and signed a four-year extension in the offseason. He offered no excuses for a depleted secondary or the short week.
“Every time I lace up my cleats, I’m going 100 percent. Yeah, put it on me,” he said. “I’ve gotta be better, especially for the offense and for all these guys in the locker room.”
Linebacker Derrick Barnes said seeing Campbell so distraught made him want to raise his own standard. The Lions now have extra rest before hosting the New York Jets.
Campbell said he will study the film and not run from what he sees.
