The Detroit Lions are more aggressive than just about every other NFL team on fourth down. But even for Dan Campbell’s standards, the Lions were uber-aggressive with their final fourth-down decision in Week 7 versus the Green Bay Packers.
At their own 24-yard line in a tied game, the Lions went for fourth-and-1. Detroit’s offense only needed a yard, but with a free defender coming off the edge, the Packers defense stopped running back Jahmyr Gibbs for a loss.
The Packers took over with under five minutes remaining and already in field-goal range.
After the failed fourth-down try, Campbell received heavy criticism on social media. The head coach explained his thought-process on his decision to reporters during his postgame press conference.
“I thought we would get it. No. 1,” said Campbell. “I really believed we would get that.
“No. 2, I knew we would get the ball back if it didn’t work out. Those were the two thoughts.”
Campbell was wrong about the first part, but ultimately correct about getting the ball back. The Packers didn’t pick up even one first down on their ensuing possession. The Lions then blocked a 35-yard field goal attempt from Green Bay rookie kicker Trey Smack.
On their next possession, the Lions drove into field-goal range to kick the game-winner in the final seconds to defeat the Packers 20-17.
Social Media Puts Dan Campbell on Blast for Fourth-Down Decision Against Packers
The failed fourth-down attempt was one of two missed conversions on the down for the Lions on Sunday. Campbell also elected to go for fourth-and-5 at the Packers 6-yard line late in the third quarter.
The Lions held a 3-point lead at the time. They failed to convert, though, with quarterback Jared Goff misfiring to receiver Jameson Williams.
Despite the miss, the Lions were aggressive deep in their own territory two drives later. The second failed fourth-down conversion, though, left Lions fans and football pundits poking fun at Campbell on social media.
“What in the Barry Switzer was Dan Campbell thinking??” NFL insider Mike Garafolo asked.
One social media user called the decision “insane.” Others used funny short clips to express the insanity of the decision.
The Detroit News’s Nolan Bianchi questioned the decision in a more serious manner.
“Lions go for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 22 and don’t get it,” wrote Bianchi. “Defense has been driving the bus all day. I don’t understand.”
ESPN’s Mark Zinno responded with the same criticism after both fourth-down failures.
“Dan Campbell never learns,” wrote Zinno. “This stuff is just beyond stupid. You can’t keep doing things like this.
“He is the biggest detriment to the Lions.”
Fortunately for Campbell, the second part of his thought-process was correct. Campbell was also very fortunate the Packers failed to capitalize on the great field position even with a field goal.
The Lions improved to 4-2 with the victory over the Packers. Incredibly, the Packers fell to last place in the NFC South but just a half game behind Detroit at 4-3.
Lions’ Dan Campbell Explains Almost Costly 4th-Down Decision vs. Packers