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Detroit Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell is not afraid to take risks
Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions, observes the Detroit Lions play the Minnesota Vikings.
As an aggressive coach, Dan Campbell has already demonstrated his abilities.
He hopes to be able to apply that mindset to more than just desperate moments by the next season.
But his only goal this season is to contain an outmatched offense. In 15 games, his Detroit Lions have committed 36 fourth downs, which is six more than the next-most frequent teams, Washington and Jacksonville, and more than twice as many as productive clubs like Tampa Bay (14) and Kansas City (13).
“There are times when it just feels right—when you have faith in your players,” Campbell stated on Monday. “I want to convey that we are playing to win, and that while caution is necessary at certain times, I also like to take calculated risks in other situations.”
The outcomes have been inconsistent. The Lions have improved after an 0-8 start, although they are only 17th in the NFL in terms of fourth-down conversion rate (50.0%) and last in terms of red-zone touchdown rate (43.2%).
This is significant because, rather than hoping to avoid blowouts, Campbell needs a stronger team to increase his chances of winning games.
He stated, “I hope the aggressiveness will continue, but it does not have to be on fourth down all the time.” “We can take a few different actions to address it on the first and second down. You act on your strong feelings for your players and your plan.”
On Sunday, though, Campbell mistrusted backup quarterback Tim Boyle in a crucial circumstance. Trailing the Falcons 20-13, Detroit faced fourth-and-5 at the Atlanta 8 with 2:42 to play.
Campbell brought in his kicker to make it 20-16 rather than going for the first down, which he had already done twice on the drive. With 2:18 remaining, linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin forced a fumble at the Atlanta 37, saving the Lions from still needing a touchdown. With 33 seconds remaining, Boyle led the Lions to the Falcons 9 but was intercepted at the goal line.
“I needed to assist Tim more effectively on that play,” Campbell remarked. “I kicked myself after watching the tape. To assist him with the man-zone read, I ought to have initiated a back motion.”
The Lions are 2-12-1 following the loss, but despite the lack of success, the team has advanced significantly in the closing stages. The Lions were scoring 16.8 points per game and giving up 30.5 points per game heading into their Week 9 bye. Since then, they’ve gone 2-4-1 by giving up 20.3 points while scoring 17.9.
