Dan Campbell is facing criticism for his game management as the Detroit Lions squandered a 17-point lead in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. Specifically, his choice to skip field goals and opt for fourth-down attempts in the second half is sparking discussions. Chris “Mad Dog” Russo joined the conversation on Monday, expressing his
While Russo is pointing fingers at analytics, I think the real issue here is more about Campbell’s unwavering belief in his team. Throughout the season, he stuck to his philosophy, which often worked in their favor. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out in the most crucial game of the year, and some argue that playoff coaching, especially on the road, should differ.
However, Campbell’s identity was clear from the start, and he stayed true to it. It’s simple to criticize him now, but let’s not forget that if Josh Reynolds had caught a pass on fourth-and-2 from San Francisco’s 28 late in the third quarter, the Lions might have secured the win. Campbell can’t catch the ball for his players, and sometimes, it just doesn’t go your way.
The Detroit Lions’ fairytale season came to an end Sunday night when they fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium. And while the loss surely will sting for their fanbase, there’s no doubt there’s a lot to look forward to in the future.
