Live by the sword, perish by the sword.
The Buffalo Bills, another Super Bowl contender, were the guests of the Detroit Lions last Sunday. At the outset of the fourth quarter, Lions head coach Dan Campbell elected to execute an onside kick, as the team was trailing 28-38. Mack Hollins, a Bills receiver, was able to return the kick to the Lions’ five-yard line after it traveled only five yards. The Bills ultimately scored, establishing a 45-28 lead.
In the end, the Lions were defeated 48-42, resulting in a 12-2 record. Subsequent to the game, that moment has been the primary subject of discourse. Campbell addressed the play that ultimately cost them the game today.
The third-year head coach further stated that these decisions are made in the moment and are not something that he contemplates or frets over. Ultimately, Campbell has the option to continue moving forward if his decision does not work out, but he does not regret it.
“I have no remorse for kicking it.” I lament the fact that it was reduced to five. Campbell stated, “I was unaware that this would occur; consequently, I regret my actions.” “I don’t want to ever want to be in a position where I stand in front of the team, and I can’t even look them in the eyes, because I did something that I knew in my heart that I didn’t believe in.”
Campbell is, without exception, a man of great passion.
Campbell’s outlook is mirrored by the Lions’ offense, which is genuinely aggressive. First in points per game (32.8), second in yards per game (403.9), second in red zone scoring-percentage (70.00), fifth in third-down conversions (45.83%), and fourth in fourth-down conversions (72.00%).
The Lions have achieved victories as a result of this aggressive approach. For instance, in Week 14, they converted on fourth-and-one in the final 30 seconds of regulation against the Green Bay Packers. The Lions secured a 34-31 victory as a result of the game-winning field goal, which was the result of the fervorous play.
Additionally, losses have been precipitated by the aggressive approach. In addition to the previous week, Campbell’s courageous decisions were unsuccessful in the NFC Championship game of the previous season. These decisions included failed fourth-down conversions, turned-down field goals in anticipation of touchdowns, questionable play calling, and turnovers.
It is my sincere hope that Campbell and the Lions will be able to manage their aggression as they progress toward the postseason. Until then, they must attend to their obligations against the Chicago Bears this Sunday.
