All the Detroit Lions do lately is win football games. Coach Dan Campbell’s team knocked off the Green Bay Packers to secure an NFL-best 12th win Thursday night. Campbell’s fourth down gambles helped lift the Lions to a 34-31 victory. He kept the offense on the field on fourth down five times, but the fifth time in the fourth quarter proved to be the most crucial. Despite quarterback Jared Goff tripping during the handoff exchange with running back David Montgomery, the Lions still managed to put kicker Jake Bates in position for a 35-yard field goal attempt. Bates split the uprights as the final seconds ticked off the clock.
After the game, a fired-up Campbell addressed the team, saying, “I told you you’d never forget this f—ing game.” He praised offensive lineman Dan Skipper, who took over starting left tackle duties in place of the injured Taylor Decker, for his solid performance. The Lions have won 12 of 13 games this season, despite facing adversity due to injuries, including the loss of star defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson for the remainder of the regular season.
Coach Campbell was proud of his team’s ability to thrive under pressure, saying, “You talk about pressure? We live in pressure. That’s where we freaking thrive. You did it again. It doesn’t matter who’s playing for us. It doesn’t matter what’s going on.” The Lions will host the Buffalo Bills on December 15.
