Dan Campbell's Bold Call: Lions Secure Thrilling Win Over Packers and Clinch Playoff Spot
When the game was on the line, Dan Campbell didn’t hesitate. With 43 seconds left, the Detroit Lions faced a pivotal fourth-and-inches from Green Bay’s 21-yard line. The score was tied at 31, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Instead of playing it safe and punting or settling for a field goal attempt, Campbell, true to his aggressive coaching style, made a decision that would define the night: go for it.
A Gamble That Paid Off
The Lions’ faith in their offensive line and star running back David Montgomery was unwavering. Montgomery bulldozed his way forward for 7 crucial yards, setting the stage for Jake Bates to deliver the finishing blow. With the clock ticking down, Bates drilled a 35-yard field goal as time expired, giving Detroit a dramatic 34-31 victory over the Packers.
This wasn’t just any win. It was a statement. The Lions clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season—a feat the franchise hadn’t achieved since the 1994-95 seasons. The energy was palpable as Campbell reflected on his decision.
“I just felt like we needed to end it on offense,” Campbell said after the game. “I didn’t want to give that ball back. I believed we could get it, and I trusted our O-Line and David. They came through for us.”
Trust in Bold Leadership
What stood out in the thrilling finish was Campbell’s supreme confidence in his team. “It’s a hell of a call by Ben,” he said, crediting offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. “I knew how I wanted to play this game. The team knew it, and everything in me told me, ‘Let’s finish this.’ And we did.”
For Jake Bates, the game-winner was just another day at the office. November’s NFC Special Teams Player of the Month has been a picture of consistency this season. Thursday’s kick marked his third game-winning field goal, adding to clutch performances in Week 10 in Houston (a 52-yarder) and Week 7 against Minnesota (a 44-yarder).
Despite his heroics, Bates remains remarkably grounded. “I’m trying to stay as leveled as I can and just be the same person every day,” he said. “Coach Fipp always says, ‘Never ride the roller coaster.’ So I’m not riding the highs or the lows, just staying steady.”
Lions’ Relentless Aggression
The Lions weren’t just aggressive at the end of the game—they made it a theme all night. They converted four fourth downs against Green Bay, their highest in a single game this season. According to ESPN Research, it tied for the most fourth-down conversions in a Lions game over the past 40 years. This level of risk-taking has become a hallmark of Campbell’s coaching philosophy, earning both praise and results.
Even more impressively, Detroit became just the second team in the past 45 seasons to attempt a fourth-down conversion inside their opponent’s 25-yard line in the final minute of a tied game. The only other team to do so? The Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17 of the 2021 season, when they edged out the Kansas City Chiefs.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Praises Confidence
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown spoke highly of Campbell’s boldness, saying it’s become part of the team’s DNA. “We knew we were going to go for it on fourth down all game,” St. Brown said. “That was the plan. But I didn’t know we’d go for it at the end there—it kind of surprised me, too. But we’re used to it now. If he says go for it, we’re all in.”
Even when St. Brown wasn’t on the field for Montgomery’s critical run, he had full faith in his teammates to execute. “I was confident in the guys on the field,” he added.
Making Franchise History
Detroit’s win over Green Bay marked their 12th victory of the season, a milestone the franchise has only reached twice before: in 1991 and 2023. This season has been historic for the Lions, who are now riding an 11-game winning streak, the longest in team history.
While the team’s success has brought accolades and excitement, Campbell isn’t losing sight of the challenges ahead. With the NFC North boasting fierce competition, he understands the importance of every win.
“Our division is damn good,” Campbell said. “I mean, it’s really good. In my opinion, it’s the best division in football. We’ve got top-tier talent, top-tier coaching, and elite competition. That’s why you’ve got to do whatever it takes to win this division. If you do and you’re able to play at home, it’s going to go a long way.”
Eyes on the No. 1 Seed
The Lions’ aspirations extend beyond the NFC North. With Thursday’s win, they’re firmly in contention for the conference’s coveted No. 1 seed. If Detroit can secure home-field advantage, it would mark another major milestone for a franchise that has consistently been underestimated in past decades.
Campbell and his team have rewritten the narrative. They’re no longer the underdogs—they’re a force to be reckoned with.
In a game full of gutsy decisions, the Lions exemplified what makes football thrilling: trust, resilience, and a little bit of risk-taking. Whether it was Montgomery’s game-changing run, Bates’ calm under pressure, or Campbell’s fearless leadership, Detroit proved why they’re one of the NFL’s most exciting teams this season. As the playoffs loom, one thing is clear: these Lions aren’t just here to play—they’re here to win.
Login