Dan Campbell has left the national media perplexed with his bold 4th down decisions in the Lions’ TNF victory.
The risky call paid off for Detroit.
It was wild, chaotic, and unexpected, but it’s a strategy that has consistently worked for Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions, so why stop now? They successfully converted a controversial fourth down late in the game to defeat the Green Bay Packers 34-31.
The Lions played well but took plenty of risks, particularly when the game was on the line. On their final drive, facing fourth and inches at the Packers’ 21-yard-line, the Lions decided to go for it.
Lions activate Jamal Adams for Thursday Night Football vs Packers.
Jared Goff, tripped by his own offensive lineman, struggled to hand the ball off to David Montgomery. Yet, somehow, Montgomery secured the first down with 43 seconds remaining.
The backlash following the call.
Despite the successful conversion, many experts, insiders, and fans criticized Dan Campbell for his decision, suggesting he could have opted for a field goal but didn’t want to give the ball back to the Packers.
Now, with their aggressive approach to fourth downs, the Lions have locked in a playoff spot after winning their eleventh consecutive regular-season game, improving to a 12-1 record.
Campbell stated after the game that the primary goal is to win the division and claim the NFC’s top spot, allowing them to rest during the first week of the playoffs and secure home-field advantage.
