Dan Campbell Makes Big Reveal About Lions' Game-Winning Play vs. Packers
By Joe Summers
The Lions pulled off a dramatic 34-31 victory over the Packers on Thursday Night Football, thanks in large part due to a wildly brave call from head coach Dan Campbell.
Tied up on fourth-and-inches late in the fourth quarter deep in Green Bay territory, Campbell elected to run the ball instead of kick a go-ahead field goal. It worked out, and the daring leader made a big reveal about the play after the victory.
Speaking to the media, Campbell explained his actions and credited offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for the play call.
Dan Campbell Credits Ben Johnson for 4th-and-Inches Play vs. Packers
Dan Campbell explained his final fourth-down call.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 6, 2024
“I just felt like we needed to end it on offense. I did not want to give that ball back,” he said. "Everything in me told me, 'Let's finish this.'" pic.twitter.com/dP5gq1kPmO
While explaining that he felt it was important to end the game when he had the chance, Campbell praised the stellar offensive line. Detroit ran for 111 yards and a TD in the contest as Jared Goff threw for three TDs. He was only sacked once, illustrating the effectiveness of Campbell's group.
He could've taken credit for the controversial yet effective decision. Instead, Campbell pointed to his players and his offensive coordinator.
#Lions coach Dan Campbell explaining the final fourth-down decision: "I just felt like we needed to end it on offense. I did not want to give that ball back and I believed we could...convert."
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) December 6, 2024
"Everything in me told me, 'Let's finish this.'"
That not only speaks to Campbell's leadership, but it also showcases the belief this roster has in each other. With 11 straight wins, the Lions are rolling on all cylinders and are rightful favorites to win the Super Bowl.
It may sound crazy. It shouldn't. Campbell has this team pointed in the right direction and these comments are a perfect example of why. Johnson drew up a great play and Campbell empowered his players to execute.
They did, and now the Lions maintain pole position atop a competitive NFC, marching toward a potentially magical run led by one of the best leaders in sports. A potential Super Bowl preview awaits Detroit against the Buffalo Bills next week.
For now, fans should celebrate that the Lions are the first NFC team to clinch a playoff berth. Following the Bills game, they'll take on the Bears, 49ers, and Vikings. Everything this organization has dreamed of sits in front of it.
With Campbell in charge, there's good reason to be confident. Goff is playing the best football of his career, the defense is stout, and Sonic & Knuckles remain the best one-two backfield punch in the NFL.
There's just one month left in the regular season, then the real fun begins for the best team Detroit fans have ever seen.
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