The Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders have a shared trait that could heavily influence who advances to the NFC Championship Game. Both teams are among the NFL’s most daring when it comes to going for it on fourth down, a strategy that has been central to their playoff success.
During the regular season, Detroit and Washington ranked second and third, respectively, in gaining an edge on fourth downs, according to a formula by The Athletic’s Austin Mock. The Commanders, for example, made their playoff appearance partly thanks to their boldness on fourth down. In their opening game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they went for it five times on fourth down, successfully converting three, including a crucial fourth-and-2 in the final quarter that led to a go-ahead touchdown.
Washington’s head coach, Dan Quinn, emphasized the importance of being aggressive without being reckless. Despite failing on their first fourth-down attempt, he remained confident in his team’s approach, understanding that a game of this magnitude requires resilience and continued effort.
The Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, are also known for their high-risk, high-reward approach to fourth downs. Since Campbell took over in 2021, no other team has attempted more fourth-down conversions. He was employing this strategy even in his first season, when the team struggled with a 3-13-1 record. While Campbell’s decisions have sparked debate, they’ve made him a trendsetter for other teams to follow.
One of Campbell’s boldest moments came this season when, with the game tied and just 43 seconds left against the Green Bay Packers, the Lions faced a fourth-and-1 on the Packers’ 21-yard line. Instead of opting for a field goal, which would have given them a 34-31 lead, Detroit went for the conversion and succeeded. They were then able to run down the clock and kick the game-winning field goal as time expired.
Campbell admitted that his approach involves significant risk but expressed confidence in his players, saying that for his team, the risk wasn’t as high as it might seem.
As the Lions and Commanders meet again in the playoffs, both coaches are likely to maintain their aggressive playstyle. Whether they succeed or fail, it’s clear that both Campbell and Quinn are committed to their bold strategies and won’t regret their decisions, regardless of the outcome.
