The Saints will travel to Detroit to face the Lions at Ford Field on September 13, marking their first road season opener since 2022. Campbell’s comments went beyond typical Week 1 praise, emphasizing the Saints’ renewed energy and turnover on the roster since his time in New Orleans. “This is a hungry opponent,” he said, noting that many players are different from when he coached there.
Campbell also singled out Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, praising the maturity and poise he has observed from the second-year passer. This aligns with the late-season improvement that characterized New Orleans’ 2025 campaign. The team started 1-7 with Spencer Rattler at quarterback before Shough took over and guided a 5-4 finish the rest of the year. Under Moore, the Saints ended the season 6-11, with Shough contributing to the offense’s progress.
That late surge is a key reason Campbell’s remarks carry weight entering Week 1, as Detroit is preparing for a Saints squad that has evolved since last season. Campbell also noted the Saints’ offseason additions around Shough, including running back Travis Etienne Jr., while giving credit to tight end Juwan Johnson and the offensive line. The current depth chart lists Etienne alongside Alvin Kamara at the top of a notably changed backfield.
For New Orleans, the challenge will be carrying late-2025 offensive progress into a tough road opener. Campbell made clear that Detroit recognizes enough talent to consider it a legitimate concern.
Campbell also praised the Saints’ defense, noting that the unit remained strong after Staley installed his system. He highlighted several players Detroit will need to account for, including Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Kaden Elliss, Pete Werner, and Kool-Aid McKinstry. Campbell’s strongest praise was for Chase Young, who is coming off a career-high 10-sack season. Cameron Jordan recorded 10.5 sacks, and Granderson added six, creating what could be a challenging front for Detroit’s developing offensive line. Jordan’s availability is a point of interest for the Lions as they prepare.
This defensive front could represent New Orleans’ clearest path to altering the opening matchup. Detroit’s offense centers on quarterback Jared Goff and a group of explosive playmakers, but sustained pressure without overexposing coverage could give Staley more ways to challenge the Lions.
Campbell’s history with the Saints adds weight to his Week 1 praise. He served as the Saints’ assistant head coach and tight ends coach from 2016 through 2020, during which New Orleans won four NFC South titles. Campbell worked under Sean Payton before taking the Lions job in 2021. He also stressed the ongoing value of his connections within the organization, particularly praising general manager Mickey Loomis and Moore. “I know what they’re about,” Campbell said.
Despite the confidence, Campbell ended with a clear message: Detroit is preparing for a talented, improving Saints team that could be more dangerous than last year’s 6-11 record suggests. With the Saints visiting Detroit for Week 1, fans can expect a competitive opener as New Orleans aims to translate late-season momentum into a strong start on the road.
