The head coach of the Lions ends Detroit’s season in response to criticism following controversial decisions made on fourth down.
After the Detroit Lions’ devastating loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, head coach Dan Campbell stated that he had no remorse about his team’s two failed fourth-down conversion tries.
Drives that had kept the 49ers defense on its heels ended when Campbell’s side failed to score on both plays, even though they were within field goal range.
After a 17-point lead at halftime, fans of the always underdog team gradually lost hope of making it to the Super Bowl.
Campbell defended his aggressive game strategy during his post-game press conference, saying, “I just felt really good about us converting.”
He went on, “I don’t regret those decisions.” And it’s challenging. It’s challenging since we fell through and the plan didn’t work out. However, I don’t. No, I don’t.
Campbell added that he was prepared to accept that his judgments would be questioned. The resilient Lions had converted more fourth down attempts this season than any other team in the league.
“It’s part of the job, man, I know I’ll be scrutinized,” Campbell said to reporters. “But it didn’t work out at all.”
With a few seconds remaining in the second quarter, Campbell made the wise decision to take the points on fourth and goal and go up 21-7.
Detroit led 24–7 at the half after kicking a field goal.
Campbell did not make the same decision at the end of two crucial drives in the second half.
The drive died, and San Francisco scored a touchdown on its ensuing possession.
All of the momentum for Detroit was lost from that moment on.
In the fourth quarter, Detroit was trailing 27-24 away from home when Campbell’s squad was faced with another fourth-down situation and the opportunity to attempt a game-tying field goal.
Campbell attempted the conversion once more, but it was unsuccessful because Goff was forced to deliver a pass that was certain to be intercepted due to pressure.
Before Detroit could find any more offensive rhythm, San Francisco added seven more points.
With less than a minute left, the Lions scored another touchdown, but they were out of time.
San Francisco was headed to the Super Bowl to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas due to a botched onside kick, but Campbell took a beating:
Lions fans, players and coaches will likely spend years wondering what could have been after the team fell 34-31 in a game Detroit could and should have won.
