Dan Campbell has faced numerous challenges throughout his career as both an NFL player and coach, but Sunday’s game brought an unprecedented experience.
The Detroit Lions pulled off an amazing comeback to defeat the Houston Texans 26-23, despite Jared Goff throwing five interceptions—one more than his total from the first eight games of the season. At halftime, the Lions were trailing 23-7.
“The chances of winning a game with five turnovers are extremely slim,” Campbell said. “This was a total team effort, with contributions in every aspect of the game.”
Kicker Jake Bates played a crucial role, nailing a 58-yard field goal to tie the game in the fourth quarter, then drilling a 52-yarder to secure the win as time expired.
With the victory, the Lions became the first team since the 2012 Atlanta Falcons to win a game after committing five interceptions.
Campbell was quick to praise the defense, which held the Texans to just three field goals in the first half and then shut them out in the second half.
“That’s tough for a defense because they’re doing their job, keeping them out of the end zone, but then we throw an interception a couple plays later, and they’re right back on the field,” Campbell said. “It was an enormous effort, especially when you consider the two takeaways.”
Veteran cornerback Carlton Davis stood out with a stellar performance, intercepting two passes from C.J. Stroud in the second half, including one at the 3-yard line.
“I told C.D. on Saturday that he might be our best acquisition this season,” Campbell said. “You can’t help but appreciate a cover corner who can run, hit, stop the run, and come up with two key interceptions when we needed them.”
