MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Following an emotionally draining week, the Detroit Lions honored hospitalized linebacker Jack Campbell on Sunday by grinding out a 19-9 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Detroit players arrived in South Florida wearing Campbell’s No. 46 jersey to support their defensive captain, who remains hospitalized after suffering a serious neck injury the previous week against the Minnesota Vikings. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard also wore Campbell’s jersey, while pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson carried a water jug labeled “Jack” into the venue, Fox News reported.
Campbell issued an update earlier in the week stating that he has full movement in his lower body and continues to make progress regaining movement in his upper body.
Defense Leads the Way
With emotions running high, Detroit (6-2) relied on its defense to secure its fourth consecutive victory. Miami (1-7) was held without a touchdown, managing only three field goals from kicker Zane Gonzalez. Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis completed 13 of 25 passes for 128 yards and an interception, facing persistent pressure from a front that sacked him six times overall. Defensive end Derrick Moore collected two sacks, while veteran safety Chuck Clark recorded his first interception since 2021, according to United Press International.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell praised his locker room afterward for channeling their concern into focus on the field.
“A lot of what we said was, man, let’s win No. 6 for 46, and we did that today,” Campbell said during his postgame press conference, as reported by Lions Wire. “As a human being, as their teammate, I’m unbelievably proud of them. For everything that this week has been. This has not been easy.”
The Dolphins defense also proved stout, slowing Detroit’s high-scoring offense for large stretches of the afternoon. Miami head coach Jeff Hafley praised his unit for what he described as potentially their best performance of the year against an explosive opponent, UPI reported. Dolphins rookie cornerback Chris Johnson notched his first career interception against Detroit quarterback Jared Goff.
Gibbs Breaks Through
The defensive battle featured eight total field goal attempts and two successful fake punts. Lions kicker Jake Bates made four field goals, including a 40-yarder just before halftime that handed Detroit a lead it never gave up.
The matchup remained devoid of a touchdown until late in the third quarter. Nearly 44 minutes into the contest, running back Jahmyr Gibbs broke free for an eight-yard touchdown dash to provide Detroit breathing room. Gibbs finished the game with 74 yards on 20 carries, while wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight passes for 86 yards. Goff completed 17 of 25 throws for 170 yards, UPI reported.
Gonzalez converted kicks from 34 and 52 yards but also missed an attempt as the Dolphins dropped to 0-4 at home this season.
Looking Ahead
The Lions now prepare for international travel as they head to Munich, Germany, to face the New England Patriots on Nov. 15 at FC Bayern Munich Stadium. The Dolphins will travel to take on the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 15.
