It’s safe to say that Dan Campbell has changed the culture of the Detroit Lions. From being one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2021 when he took over the team to becoming Super Bowl contenders in a span of three years, the head coach has changed the trajectory of this franchise.
The Lions have a new identity. They’re bold, aggressive and fearless. They don’t shy away from running trick plays and daring fourth-down decisions. They start fast, pounce on their opponents, and get the lead. The Lions have embodied Campbell’s “chip on the shoulder” and “bite the kneecap” attitude, and it’s very reflective in their play style.
While Campbell’s Lions have been dominant, a former three-time Super Bowl champion has warned the head coach of his approach.
Julian Edelman Criticizes Dan Campbell’s Decision-Making
Julian Edelman was a guest on Fox Sports’ “The Herd With Colin Cowherd” on Tuesday. The former New England Patriots wide receiver spoke highly of the Lions, calling them the “cream of the crop” in the NFC.
Edelman, however, then went on to criticize Campbell’s decision to go for a fake punt very early in the first quarter this past Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
Lions fake punt attempt didn’t go as planned.
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Edelman said that Campbell’s approach works when the Lions were up and coming but not when they’re established contenders and have built the culture. The three-time Super Bowl champion called for growth from the Detroit head coach.
“He needs to evolve as a head coach,” Edelman said of Campbell. “And not put his teams in a lot of these desperate situations where I know they’re trying to promote that they’re a tough football team and they’re confident in their ability.
“But like that’ll burn you when you’re playing the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. That’ll burn you when you give an opportunity to a team that can whoop you, like another possession in a short field. Those things, those situations will kill you.”
Campbell and Lions Not Deterred by Failed Fake Punt
Despite the failed fake punt, the Lions are coming off a hard-fought 31-29 victory over the Vikings following a last-minute field goal from kicker Jake Bates. It wasn’t easy going against the team that was previously undefeated at 5-0 and coming away with a victory on the road.
The Lions found themselves in a hole early on, with a 10-point deficit. They failed to get the first down in their opening drive. Then, linebacker and special teamer Jalen Reeves-Maybin turned the ball over at Detroit’s own 34-yard line on the fake punt.
“The look was there, and if we tweak a couple things execution-wise, then it’s there,” Campbell said.
“So look, I’m disappointed that it didn’t work just like anybody is, but that’s not gonna deter me from [trying them]. If the look’s there, the look’s there. And we’re gonna keep looking for it and keep coaching it up and put it on our guys.”
Taking notes from Edelman would certainly help Campbell and the Lions, however, given how their 2023 season ended in the NFC Championship Game with two controversial fourth-down decisions from the head coach and blowing a 17-point lead.