Santa Clara, California – The Detroit Lions made pivotal fourth-down gambles in their 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game. Head coach Dan Campbell defended his decisions to bypass long field goal attempts, despite their failure to convert. While acknowledging the scrutiny he will face, Campbell expressed no regrets over those choices. The Lions had raced to a 24-7 halftime lead, only to be outscored by the 49ers 27-7 in the second half.
In the third quarter, the Lions failed to convert a fourth-and-2 from the San Francisco 28-yard line, allowing the 49ers to gain momentum and score two quick touchdowns. The pressure from Nick Bosa disrupted Lions quarterback Jared Goff, resulting in an incomplete pass. Goff vowed to make a better throw next time. In the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, Campbell once again opted for a fourth-down attempt rather than a field goal. However, the Lions failed to convert a fourth-and-3 play, sealing their fate.
Goff defended Campbell’s aggressive approach and emphasized the team’s belief in their ability to convert big plays. The Lions’ aggressive fourth-down strategy has been a hallmark of Campbell’s coaching tenure, and it played a significant role in their run to the NFC title game. This season alone, the Lions set an NFL record for fourth-down attempts and converted on key plays in previous games. However, their failed conversions in the championship game contributed to their defeat.
While Campbell’s decisions have been praised in the past, the 49ers’ comeback victory in the NFC championship game dampened the Lions’ remarkable season. Despite the disappointment, the Lions’ aggressive style of play has breathed new life into the franchise.