The Detroit Lions' Dan Campbell is one of the most well known and beloved coaches in the National Football League. On Friday, Campbell's stance on pass rushing was revealed in comments made during a news conference during Lions OTAs.

The Campbell comments came during a time when offensive coordinator Ben Johnson shared thoughts on his decision to stay in Michigan. The Lions' two best trade targets to round out their 2024 roster were also revealed.

The Lions could have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL next season, especially with new cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. holding down the fort on the back end of the defense. Now, Campbell is expounding on his team's philosophy.

Campbell reveals key intel on Lions pass rush 

Campbell was asked how important sack totals are for the defense. He responded with a strong and candid take as usual.

“Yeah, sacks aren't that big of a deal, as long as you're getting the pressure,” Campbell said. “As long as you're getting pressures and those pressures show up and affect the quarterback negatively.”

Campbell said he's been showing clips to his Lions recently of quarterbacks attempting to step up in the pocket that ultimately end up in turnovers.

“Now would you rather have sacks? Absolutely I'd rather have sacks, right. You lost yardage, all those things, but the pressures are more to me.”

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Lions must improve 2024 defense

Last season, the Lions finished in the bottom half of the NFL in yards allowed on defense. Aidan Hutchinson led the team in sacks from his defensive end position with 11.5 on the season followed by Alim McNeill at defensive tackle with just five.

Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson, center, slaps hands with Kyle Peko (96) during the organized team activities in Allen Park on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
© Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

If the Lions' secondary covers as well as expected under coordinator Aaron Glenn, the pass rush could become better by default, which could lead to sky high numbers of both pressures and sacks in the coming months for Campbell's defense in a suddenly challenging NFC North stacked with contenders. The trio of Aidan Hutchinson, Aaron Glenn and Alim McNeill is just the tip of the iceberg for a Lions defense that suddenly has the talent not just to compete but also to dominate this coming season.