Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Robert Zeglinski

NFL fans crushed Dan Campbell for his absurd Lions fourth-down decision late in NFC title game

Dan Campbell Lions NFC NFL Detroit (Organization) the Super Bowl

The Detroit Lions had an NFC title within their grasp. After a half in Santa Clara, the Lions’ 24-7 lead over the San Francisco 49ers seemed insurmountable. Everything was rolling for Detroit — even a capacity watch party crowd at Ford Field.

Then, an epic second-half collapse ensued.

As the wheels came off for the Lions in a disheartening NFC title game loss, one sequence probably stood out the most. With a Detroit fourth-quarter drive stalling just before the red zone, the Lions could’ve taken the points with a field goal and potentially knotted up this instant classic at 27 points apiece. It likely would’ve been a very different finish.

Instead, Dan Campbell elected to go for it on fourth and 3. When the Lions couldn’t convert, their defeat seemed all but assured. The analytical recommendation appeared to indicate this was a smart decision, but it sure didn’t feel like it:

The Lions only got to their first NFC title game in nearly 30 years, expressly because of Dan Campbell’s aggressive mentality. The Lions play like they wear their heart on their sleeve, and it’s all because of their head coach, who doesn’t shy away from big moments — even with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. From this perspective, it’s hard to fault Campbell much for doing what he’s done all season.

Still, a field goal felt like the more prudent decision in this situation, especially after blowing a 17-point lead. Campbell got a little too much dip on his chip. And now, the Lions are going back home to Detroit instead of making the trek to Las Vegas.

NFL fans crushed Dan Campbell for not taking the field goal

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
She's here for 'a kitchen pep talk' during the holiday whirlwind
If you’re feeling too overwhelmed to cook during the holidays, maybe a new book by Margaret Eby can help
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
All the celebrities that have supported Blake Lively after Justin Baldoni lawsuit
Lively has received a huge amount of support after filing the lawsuit against Baldoni
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Where’s Santa? Here’s how to track his journey this Christmas Eve
NORAD’s Santa Tracker website launched this year on December 1
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Gen Z’s politics are hard to categorize – and a harbinger of a new political order
The great clashes to come will be less between left and right than between those inside and outside a dying establishment
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Bianca Jagger feels 'empowered' in suits
Bianca Jagger was always drawn to wearing suits because she wanted to feel "powerful" like her father.
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
‘A long-distance hug’: readers and gen Z on the joy – and expense – of sending Christmas cards
Sales of Christmas cards are down as soaring price of stamps means many people opt for digital festive greetings
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play