Did Dan Campbell go too far with his signature aggressiveness, which was on full display in the Detroit Lions’ Thursday Night Football victory over Green Bay? The Lions, now 12-1, secured a playoff berth, defeating the Packers 34-31 — but not without drama.
Campbell’s decision-making took center stage when a gutsy fourth-down gamble late in the game had fans and analysts worried. One among those voices was former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho, who blasted Campbell’s choices on social media, calling them “asinine.”
Emmanuel Acho Not Thrilled With Dan Campbell’s Risky Call Against Packers
Detroit went for it on fourth down five times during the matchup and converted four. However, the one failed attempt in the third quarter from their own 31-yard line handed Green Bay a short field, which they converted into a touchdown.
Then, late in the game, with just 43 seconds left, Campbell doubled down on his risky play-calling. He could have settled for a 39-yard field goal, but he opted for a fourth-down attempt that nearly backfired because of a Jared Goff slip, which could have been disastrous.
Dan Campbell…you are a sicko
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/JJfrjS79Io
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 6, 2024
However, running back David Montgomery came up clutch with a conversion, setting up Jake Bates for a game-winning field goal.
Nonetheless, so much drama didn’t sit well with Acho. He tweeted, “The risk of turning the ball over on downs was NOT worth 4 yards. Instead of kicking a 39-yard field goal, you risk turning the ball over so you can kick a 35-yard field goal.”
Dan Campbell isn’t being aggressive, he’s being asinine.
The risk of turning the ball over on downs was NOT worth 4 yards.
Instead of kicking a 39 yard field goal, you risk turning the ball over so you can kick a 35 yard field goal.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 6, 2024
Campbell’s ballsy approach has been a hallmark of Detroit’s strategy this season. No doubt that Campbell received some criticism, but the fact is that the Lions sit atop the NFC standings. According to PFN’s Playoff Predictor, the Lions hold a 58% chance of earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed — the highest of any team.
The Philadelphia Eagles (22.6%) and Minnesota Vikings (16.9%) trail behind. Only four games are left, and Campbell’s men are firmly in control of their destiny as they aim to secure home-field advantage through the playoffs.
The Lions’ win over Green Bay was their second consecutive playoff berth, a feat they haven’t achieved since the mid-1990s. Love him or hate him, Campbell’s fearless style is reshaping Detroit’s football identity — and it’s paying off.
With the postseason in sight, all eyes will remain on Campbell as the Lions look to lock their place atop the NFC. Whether you view Campbell’s tactics as reckless or revolutionary, his approach has made the Lions a team to watch this season.