After the Detroit Lions let up a 17-point lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, Dan Campbell is being criticized for his handling of the game.
In particular, debates are being sparked by his decision to forego field goals in favor of fourth-down attempts during the second half. On Monday, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo entered the discussion and voiced his displeasure with Campbell’s judgment.
Although Russo is criticizing analytics, I believe Campbell’s unshakeable faith in his squad is more at fault in this situation. He adhered to his idea the entire season, which frequently worked to their advantage.
Sadly, that didn’t work out in the most important game of the season, and some contend that postseason coaching need to be different, particularly when it comes to away games.
But Campbell never wavered from his genuine identity, which was evident from the beginning.
It’s easy to criticize him now, but remember that late in the third quarter, the Lions might have won if Josh Reynolds had caught a pass on a fourth-and-2 from San Francisco’s 28.
For his players, Campbell is incapable of catching the ball, and occasionally things just don’t work out.
