Ardent Go for It On Fourth Down Devotees, Behold Thy King, Dan Campbell
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell took his aggressive approach to new heights on Thursday night, repeatedly going for it on fourth down in high-leverage situations in their 34-31 win over the Green Bay Packers. The most controversial decision came late in the game when the score was tied and the Lions were in field-goal range. Campbell opted to go for it on fourth-and-1 rather than attempting a 38-yard field goal, a move that stunned many. The Lions converted on a David Montgomery run, setting up an eventual Jake Bates-winning kick that clinched a playoff berth.
“I just felt like we needed to end it on offense,” Campbell said. “I did not want to give that ball back and I believed we could get that. I believed we could convert, and I trust that O-line, I trust David, and they came through for us. It’s a hell of a call by (offensive coordinator) Ben (Johnson). I knew how I wanted to play this game, the team knew it, and everything in me told me, ‘Let’s finish this,’ and so we did.”
Campbell’s bold call was a departure from typical analytics, which would have recommended kicking the field goal. However, the Lions’ decimated defense, which had lost 13 defenders to the injured reserve and was without several key players on Thursday night, forced the offense to take the reins. The defensive unit allowed three touchdowns and a field goal in the second half, surrendering just one punt the entire half.
Campbell’s gutsy call was consistent with his coaching philosophy, and it paid off in the end. The win ensured a playoff berth for the Lions.
