The Detroit Lions’ 11-game win streak came to an end on Sunday with a 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and head coach Dan Campbell is taking responsibility for a controversial decision during the game. One key moment Campbell regretted was his call for an onside kick early in the fourth quarter while the Lions were trailing 38-28. Bills returner Mack Hollins recovered the kick inside the 5-yard line, and Campbell admitted that he thought the Lions would successfully recover the ball, but in hindsight, he wished he hadn’t made the call.
The onside kick backfired when, on the very next play, Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw a touchdown pass to Ray Davis, extending the lead further. Despite the setback, the Lions responded with touchdowns on their next two possessions, keeping the game close. However, Buffalo added a field goal and successfully recovered an onside kick late in the game, ultimately sealing the victory and handing the Lions their first loss since Week 2.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Campbell shouldered the blame for his team’s performance. He expressed regret over not having his players fully prepared for the game, saying, “I didn’t have those guys ready to go.” He acknowledged that several players who had performed well earlier in the season didn’t play up to their potential, which he took as a sign that the loss was on him as the head coach.
The 48 points allowed by Detroit marked a season-high, and it was only the second time this year the Lions had given up more than 30 points in a game. Campbell admitted that the Bills’ intensity was higher than his team’s, which played a part in the defeat. Despite the loss, Campbell praised his players’ resilience in continuing to fight back, but ultimately, he felt it wasn’t enough.
The Lions’ record now stands at 12-2, still tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the best record in the NFC. However, the Minnesota Vikings have a chance to join them at 12-2 if they win their Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears. The Lions and Vikings are set to meet in Week 18, a game that could determine home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Campbell’s focus now shifts to the future, as the Lions will look to bounce back from the loss and regroup for their next game. They will face the Chicago Bears on Sunday, aiming to stay on track for the postseason despite the setback.
In light of the defeat, Campbell’s comments reflect a deep sense of accountability as a coach, vowing to ensure his team is better prepared moving forward. The Lions are still in a strong position, but the loss serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the competitive NFC race.
