Lions coach Dan Campbell has gone for it on 4th down an NFL-record 151 times in a 4-season span
DETROIT (AP):Four-down territory has been redefined by Dan Campbell.
Under their aggressive coach, whose daring approach has changed the culture of the team and produced record-breaking outcomes, the Detroit Lions go for it on fourth down practically anywhere on the field.
“Our guys, for the most part, look at it as it s just the next down,” Campbell stated. “As opposed to this is do or die, this is the last chance.”
Over the past four seasons, Campbell has kept his offense on the field 151 times on fourth down rather than punting or kicking field goals. According to Sportradar, he is the only NFL coach to make as many attempts in a four-year period since at least 1991.
Holly Campbell reportedly stated that the only thing her husband is incapable of doing is punting.
The Lions have grown accustomed to Campbell’s risk-taking.
“On defense, we almost expect them to go for it,” safety Ifeatu Melifonwu stated on Thursday. “It s never a surprise.”
Before the Lions start getting ready to play the NFC’s bottom-seeded club at Ford Field the following weekend, Campbell handed them a three-day respite that began on Friday.
In two of his four seasons, Campbell has led the league in going for it on fourth down, and in 2024, he trailed only two teams with three wins and nothing to lose: the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns.
In his first season, Campbell established an NFL record with 44 fourth-down attempts as Detroit finished 3-13-1.
On the crucial down, when special teams and defense are typically left out, players like the trust that Campbell places in them.
“They ve figured out a little bit of who I am over time now,” he stated. “This didn’t appear out of nowhere.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 15: On September 15, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions responds during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Nic Antaya/Getty Images took the picture.
They seem to understand when we will and won’t do it, in my opinion. We declare that we will be more aggressive in some games than others. There are instances when it just happens that way.
In part to keep their injured defense off the field, the Lions went for it on fourth down five times and converted four to help them outlast Green Bay in a 34-31 victory last month.
As demonstrated in last Sunday’s division-winning victory over the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Jared Goff can occasionally force his opponents offside with a hard count because they are so ready to play defense on fourth down.
According to Goff, “We have it (as) a part of our offense,” “At certain times, we ll pull it out and we ve been pretty successful with it.”
Just six teams were more successful than Detroit, which scored or moved the chains with a first down on 66.7% of fourth downs during the previous season.
Over the last four seasons, Campbell has converted more over half of his fourth-down plays, demonstrating his faith in players and coaches to support his decisions. His plan typically works.
DETROIT – 2007: At picture day in Detroit, Michigan, Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions poses for his 2007 NFL headshot. (Image courtesy of Getty Images)
Over the past two and a half years, the Lions have seen an incredible run of success thanks to players selected and acquired by general manager Brad Holmes and the coaching staff led by Campbell.
The Lions have a 37-10 record since November 6, 2022, including their first two-game postseason victory since the 1957 NFL championship.
In 2024, Detroit achieved a team-record 15 victories, becoming the first team to win consecutive division titles, and secured the top seed in the NFC.
Kicker rookieJake Bates isn’t complaining that he could have scored more than 142 points if Campbell had chosen to try more field goals, as he broke Jason Hanson’s team record for points this season.
“We re 15-2, so what this coaching staff is doing is working,” Bates stated. “Winning is way more fun than making kicks.”