Dan Campbell’s Fourth-Down Choices Hurt Lions in Tough Loss

Dan Campbell is known for being one of the most aggressive coaches in the NFL, especially on fourth down. But lately, that bold style is starting to work against the Detroit Lions. In their last two losses, the Lions have gone 0-for-7 on fourth down, and teams are starting to expect the gamble every time.

That problem stood out during the Thanksgiving game, where the Green Bay Packers beat Detroit 31–24 at Ford Field. Dan Campbell kept going for it on fourth down, but the Packers were ready for every play.

Mike Florio from ProFootballTalk pointed out that football is all about being unpredictable, and right now the Lions are too easy to read.

The first big mistake came in the second half when Detroit was facing fourth-and-3. Instead of punting, Dan Campbell called a run play to Jahmyr Gibbs. Green Bay’s defense broke through and stopped him for a two-yard loss. Just two plays later, Jordan Love hit Christian Watson for a 51-yard touchdown, putting the Packers in control.

Another huge moment came with the Lions down by 10 in the fourth quarter. It was fourth-and-3 again. Jared Goff rolled to his right and found Jameson Williams wide open. The ball hit Williams in both hands but slipped out. A possible touchdown turned into another missed chance.

Even though the drop wasn’t his fault, Goff still took responsibility.

“I’ve got to give him a better throw,” Goff told reporter Nolan Bianchi. “He might score on that play.”

On the stat sheet, the Lions didn’t look terrible. Williams had 144 yards and a score. But Detroit’s struggles on fourth down erased all the good moments.

After the loss, Campbell tried to stay positive and said the team has “a lot to be thankful for” and needs to move on to the next game.

They’ll have to move fast. The Bears lead the NFC North at 9–3, the Packers follow at 8–3–1, and the Lions sit at 7–5. With their playoff chances around 43%, Detroit needs a strong finish. Up next, they host the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field.

For the Lions to keep their playoff hopes alive, Dan Campbell may need to ease up on the risky fourth-down calls — at least until the team finds its rhythm again.

Also Read: Haynes King’s Heisman Dreams End After Georgia Loss