Dan Campbell never fails to entertain during press conferences. Monday was no exception. He broke down the challenges of facing the Commanders and their rookie threat. Campbell’s candid remarks were filled with respect and humor. But it also had some subtle messages for his defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn.

Facing a dual-threat quarterback like Jayden Daniels is no small task. Campbell made that crystal clear. But he also harped on their readiness. “So look, we know we’ve got our hands full, but we’re going to have a plan in place,” Campbell said. “[Aaron Glenn] is going to have a hell of a plan. Our guys are going to execute it, and you know what? [Daniels] may make a run. He may pop a run or two. That’s just the nature of the game and the way that some of these guys are able to maneuver, but that doesn’t mean that you win the game.” Campbell’s conviction is a testament to their 15-2 run in the regular season. But Daniels has been a revelation for Washington this season.

In the first place, Daniels completed 69% of his passes. He threw for 3,568 yards. And he also added 25 touchdowns through the air to make the stats even better. His legs were just as deadly. He rushed for 891 yards and six scores. The rookie’s playmaking ability propelled Washington to a 12-5 record. And that eventually translated to their first playoff win since 2006.

Campbell’s concerns are well-founded. The Lions have struggled against mobile quarterbacks in the past. Most notably in their Week 15 loss to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Allen shredded Detroit for 494 passing yards. He also scored four touchdowns. It’s the kind of performance Campbell and Glenn cannot afford to let Daniels replicate. Meanwhile, Campbell also dismissed the idea that the Lions are uniquely bad against mobile quarterbacks.

“I know this. Running quarterbacks are hard. They’re hard to defend,” he said, adding, “And it’s like somebody tells you, ‘We don’t handle running quarterbacks very well.’ Well, tell me the team that does.” Still, Campbell expressed confidence in Glenn’s defensive plan. He emphasized discipline and execution as keys to stopping Daniels.

A new challenge for the Lions

“He’s dangerous,” Campbell said about Jayden Daniels. Reflecting on the challenges Daniels could pose, the HC added, “He poses a major threat; he does not play the position like a rookie quarterback; he’s composed; he understands how to progress; he sees the field well. He buys time with his legs. He’s a dangerous runner. He’s smart. You can tell he understands how to run that offense. What they’re asking him to do, and then he’s got weapons. He’s got weapons around him.” Campbell highlighted Daniels’s ability to extend plays, his efficiency in the Commanders’ system, and the weapons around him. Weapons that include Terry McLaurin and tight end Zach Ertz.

Another factor adding intrigue is the Lions’ lack of familiarity with the Commanders this season. Meanwhile, Campbell admitted that facing a team they haven’t played adds an exciting element. “It’s fresh,” he said. “You don’t really entirely know them. They don’t entirely know you. And so now you kind of start from scratch.” However, Glenn will need more than just a fresh plan to slow Daniels down.

Athletic linebackers bolstered Glenn’s defensive unit with a disciplined secondary. And it has adapted to contain mobile quarterbacks. “The better your athletes on defense, the better suited you are to contain mobile quarterbacks,” Campbell noted. However, Campbell’s belief in his team’s preparation doesn’t mean he’s underestimating the Commanders.

The Lions’ strategy will hinge on containing Daniels without losing focus on Washington’s other weapons. Now, Saturday’s matchup will test the Lions’ ability to adjust and execute under pressure. “[Daniels] may make a run. He may pop a run or two,” Campbell acknowledged. “That’s just the nature of the game and the way that some of these guys are able to maneuver. But that doesn’t mean that you win the game.” However, they need to find a perfect plan for him.

The confidence is high. The Lions must now rise to the challenge with the stakes higher than ever. And their playoff dreams depend on it.