Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s strategy of forgoing field-goal attempts in favor of 4th down conversions in the NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers potentially cost the team at least six points.
Despite two opportunities to secure points, the Lions’ aggressive approach failed, leading to a 34-31 loss.
Criticism from NFL fans and commentators followed, with some questioning Campbell’s decisions.
“Dan Campbell thought like a player and not a coach. Take the field goal!”@keyshawn disagrees with the Lions overaggressive gameplan vs. 49ers pic.twitter.com/nndcNLLX0A
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) January 29, 2024
“I have no doubt Dan Campbell is a great leader and inspires his team well,” former Green Bay Packers executive Andrew Brandt said. “But his decisions have hurt them today.”
“Dan Campbell is an absolute dumba–. They can’t blame anybody but him if they lose,” NESN’s Kendra Middleton said.
“I know Dan Campbell entire philosophy is to go for it but I mean….I’m stunned,” Dave Portnoy wrote.
“This momentum shift is on Dan Campbell. Kick the damn field goal,” ESPN’s Matt Barrie said.
Campbell defended his choices, emphasizing confidence in the team’s ability to convert.
“I just felt really good about us converting,” Campbell said. “And getting our momentum and not letting them play long ball. They were bleeding the clock out – that’s what they do – and I wanted to get the upper hand back.”
While the Lions have seen moderate success on 4th down under Campbell’s leadership, their approach may have ultimately hindered their chance at a Super Bowl appearance.
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