After the Detroit Lions secured a 31-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18, clinching both the NFC North and the conference’s No. 1 seed, Lions head coach Dan Campbell had a message for Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell: “I’ll see you in two weeks.”
Some might have dismissed this as a casual remark, considering there was about a 50 percent chance that Minnesota would upset the Los Angeles Rams on the road. The Rams, led by Sam Darnold, were favorites. It seemed like just a phrase you say.
However, Sean McVay and the Rams coaching staff saw it as a potential motivational tool — and it worked. The Rams dominated the Vikings 27-9 in an emotional Monday night victory. Whether Campbell’s comment played a significant role in the outcome, or if it was simply a case of Sam Darnold reverting to his old form at the wrong time, is unclear. The Rams defense, which racked up nine sacks against a weak Vikings offensive line, might have been inspired by Campbell’s words, but we may never know for sure. 
The takeaway? When shaking hands at midfield, it’s probably best to just say “good game” or something along the lines of “I hope both teams enjoy the next contest.”
If the Lions defeat the Commanders and the Rams get past the Eagles, the Rams and Lions could meet in two weeks. If McVay can keep his team motivated with this fuel, it might just propel them to the Super Bowl.
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