3 reasons why Dan Campbell’s extra aggression might hurt the Lions in playoffs
Dan Campbell again took a risky fourth down approach in Detroit Lions TNF win, but such plays could be detrimental in the playoffs.
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Dan Campbell's risky fourth down plays could be detrimental for the Detroit Lions in the playoffs (Image via X)
The Detroit Lions ensured the Green Bay Packers returned home with another loss. However, that came about the home team kicked a field goal in the dying seconds of the game, a situation that came about after head coach Dan Campbell went ahead with a risky fourth and inches drive despite being in kicking range.
That particular play saw quarterback Jared Goff take the snap and hand the ball to David Montgomery, who plowed through to gain seven yards and give them another crucial first down. At the time of the snap, there was still 43 seconds on the clock.
Campbell’s logic might suggest that if they hadn’t gone for it, the Packers would have had a chance to win the game with a field goal. However, that play had its own set of risks. First off, officials missed Goff’s knee touching the ground before he handed the ball to Montgomery.
Had the play been blown dead then, the Detroit Lions would have lost the chance to win it in front of their home fans. The Packers defense could have also stopped the running back from gaining the first down. Such high risks might be fine in the regular season, but come playoff time, it could spell trouble.
1. The playoffs are different
The most telling difference between the regular season and the playoffs is that there is no second game if they lose. Which means every game is a win or go home battle where every decision has to be perfect if a team wants to continue their journey.
The Detroit Lions have without a doubt the best squad in the NFL and are considered the favorites to win it all. But to do that, Dan Campbell must stop putting his team at risk when facing such fourth down situations. Up until the fourth quarter starts, it is alright to try it if he feels the team can win it.
But in the last quarter, the risks are extremely high in a neck and neck game that one wrong move and their season could be over. It is understandable that the head coach wants his super squad of a team to be prepared for such situations. But he should ask his coaches to help their departments play better with just three downs in hand.
2. Playoff teams could use this to their advantage
When the playoffs come around, all teams entering the games know they have to win at all costs. With this comes extra preparation from not only players, but coaches as well as scouts and observers. Where Dan Campbell’s high risk fourth down approaches come is that opposing teams can exploit it.
For instance, in the playoffs, teams prefer to play chess than checkers. Their entire outlook is to outsmart their opponents without risking their players’ safety. If an opposing team can exploit the Lions’ schemes against them, it could work in their favor.
For instance, a team with a standout defense could hold a particular drive in such a manner that the Lions are forced to take a risky fourth and one. All that defense will have to do is to blow up that play and get the ball back. If that were to happen, the Detroit team could end their season earlier than expected.
3. Dan Campbell may risk players getting hurt
The Detroit Lions are already at risk, with a league leading thirteen players on injured reserve. That comes from the ultra-aggressive method of play they have used to streak to the top of the league standings. So far, their standout coaching has negated those losses with continued excellence.
When a team goes into a fourth down situation, the offense is under pressure to make the most out of their situation. But in doing so, they also risk the chance of being injured. On wide open plays where Jared Goff throws a pass to a wideout is still fine. But he also is under the risk of being pounded by opposing defenders as they look to stop him from gaining yards.
That risk amplifies in the run game as 300lb defensive linemen use their heft to stop the run. In doing so, their collective strength might induce an injury to either an offensive lineman, the running back, or any other blocker.
The Lions have an exceptional offensive line, but any injury to their starters could disrupt their rhythm. If not in that game, it could hamper them in the next round. It is not the same as replacing a pass rusher. Disrupt that chemistry, and Dan Campbell is asking for trouble.
All in all, the head coach might as well ease up on his aggressive fourth down plays. The combination of all the factors mentioned above along with stricter officiating could spell trouble for a team that is looking to dispel ‘The Curse of Bobby Layne‘.
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Joseph Varghese
(2268 Articles Published)