We’ve heard what Dan Campbell has said. You’ve likely seen what the analytical models have said. Hopefully, you haven’t bothered to see what Pete Prisco thinks. Now, it’s time for us to discuss the Detroit Lions’ fourth-down decisions in their 20-17 win over the Green Bay Packers.
Without a doubt, this has been one of Campbell’s most controversial decisions: going for it in a tie game from his own 22-yard line with 4:53 left. It’s a position where most teams would not ever even consider going for it.
Just the optics of potentially giving the ball back to the opponent already in field goal position to take the lead late is enough to scare off most NFL coaches.
However, Campbell’s explanation of how the clock was critical to his decision changed a lot of people’s minds.
“With where that was, where the clock was at is I know what I’m conceding,” Campbell further explained on Monday. “If you don’t get that—I believe we were going to get that. I know what you’re conceding, but I also know without any doubt, any question, we are getting the ball back with plenty of time to answer and rebuttal whatever they’ve done. It was really that simple.”
On this week’s PODcast, we debate that decision. Generally speaking, we all agree that there is plenty of good rationalization and thought process that went into Campbell’s decision, and anyone who says the decision was completely reckless is not understanding the situation well enough. But should more consideration have been given to the Lions’ struggles in short-yardage situations this year or how inconsistent their run game had been against the Packers on Sunday?
We also make the argument that Campbell’s other fourth-down decision—going for it on fourth-and-5 from the Packers’ 6-yard line already up three points—may have been the more controversial and inexcusable decision.
That entire discussion and debate is the first topic of discussion in our second segment, which starts around the 32:45 minute mark of the show (1:15:00 mark if you’re watching on YouTubeor Twitch).
Before that, we talk about the biggest storylines of the game, including an outstanding performance from the secondary, Jared Goff’s big day against a great Packers defense, and a very up-and-down day from the Lions’ rushing attack.
You can catch it all on this week’s show below:
If you want more Lions vs. Packers talk, consider checking on this week’s PODcast on our YouTube page or Twitch channel. There we have a bunch more in-between segments chats, including more thoughts on officiating from the game.
