Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance after their victory against the Green Bay Packers. He praised both the players and coaches for their collective effort, emphasizing the importance of the defense’s aggressive play and the offense’s ability to carry the load. Campbell highlighted the resilience of his team, noting that despite external doubts, the Lions’ belief in their strength and toughness allowed them to secure the win.
On his decision to go for it on fourth down at the end of the game, Campbell explained that he felt it was crucial to close out the game offensively. He trusted his offensive line, running back David Montgomery, and the play call from Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson, believing that they could convert and maintain possession to finish the game. The trust in his team proved to be well-founded, as they successfully executed the play.
Campbell also spoke about Jared Goff’s quick thinking when he was knocked down during a play, managing to hand the ball off to Montgomery. He praised Goff for his athleticism and Montgomery for taking care of the rest of the play. Despite the earlier failure to convert on a fourth down attempt in the third quarter, Campbell remained confident and assured his team that they needed to stay focused, regardless of the score.
Describing the win as particularly special, Campbell reflected on the challenges the team had faced and overcome throughout the game. He told the players that it would be a memorable victory, one they would never forget. He noted that the Lions’ ability to find a way to win, no matter the obstacles, was a testament to their resilience and determination.
When asked if he had anticipated going for fourth down conversions throughout the game, Campbell confirmed that he was prepared for it. He explained that while he hoped to avoid such situations by converting on third downs, he was ready to take the risk if necessary. The willingness to be aggressive on fourth down was a key part of his strategy.
Campbell’s conviction in these high-risk decisions stemmed from his confidence in the players and the experience they shared. He highlighted the trust he had built with key players like Goff, Ben Johnson, and others over time. This trust made him feel comfortable taking risks, despite knowing that not every fourth down attempt would be successful.
Ultimately, Campbell’s belief in his team’s ability to execute under pressure was validated in the victory. His strategic decisions, combined with the players’ performances, led the Lions to a hard-fought win, solidifying their resilience and determination as a core aspect of their identity.
