The Detroit Lions lost their Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but instead of passing the blame or causing drama, head coach Dan Campbell took full responsibility for the defeat.
As the first half neared its end, Jared Goff completed a pass to keep the clock moving. With no timeouts left, the Lions’ field goal unit prepared to take the field. However, when Goff attempted to spike the ball and stop the clock, the team had too many players on the field, resulting in a penalty.
This led to a five-yard penalty and a 10-second runoff, ending the half. The Lions’ 10-play drive, which could have led to points, went unrewarded, leaving them down 13-9 at halftime. This mistake proved costly for Detroit.
The Lions ultimately lost by four points (20-16). Had they avoided the penalty, they might have only been down by one point, assuming they made the field goal. That difference could have given them a chance to win and be 2-0 instead of 1-1.
Many coaches would likely blame their players for the disorganization, but not Dan Campbell. He accepted responsibility for the mistake and expressed deep regret after the game.
A former NFL offensive lineman highlighted this on X, contrasting Campbell with Washington head coach Jedd Fisch, who blamed his players for poor execution on a fourth-and-goal play. Campbell’s approach is one of the many reasons he’s considered a great coach.
This isn’t the first time Campbell has taken the blame. He faced criticism for choosing to go for it on fourth down in the NFC Championship Game instead of kicking a field goal. After the Lions were stopped on fourth down, Campbell became emotional while discussing the decision.
In a world where many coaches blame their players, like Brian Callahan with Will Levis in Tennessee, Lions fans should appreciate Dan Campbell and his treatment of the team.
