Tomlin Rejects Campbell’s Gamble as Lions Coach Concedes Defensive Concerns

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Mike Tomlin backed Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s decision to go for it on fourth-and-one.

Heavy NFL - Dan Campbell was the Detroit Lions’ head coach.

Heavy NFL - The Green Bay Packers were Detroit’s opponent.

WHAT:

detroitlions.com - Dan Campbell said Detroit’s defense had produced two good performances in a row, with growing confidence and improved coverage; the defense held Green Bay’s passing attack below many of its season averages.

detroitlions.com - Campbell said the run game’s inconsistency partly came from missed assignments and technique issues, and that youth had contributed. He said getting center Cade Mays back could help improve consistency.

detroitlions.com - Campbell said Jared Goff was playing at an elite level and that it was hard not to give him the ball more.

detroitlions.com - Campbell praised DeAndre Carter’s long punt and kickoff returns, and highlighted DJ Wonnum’s block of a late 35-yard field-goal attempt.

detroitlions.com - Campbell also singled out Khalil Dorsey, D.J. Reed, Chuck Clark, Tyleik Williams, Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Penei Sewell, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Eric O’Neill and Jimmy Rolder for their performances.

Heavy NFL - Detroit changed centers when Cade Mays returned to the lineup; his Week 7 debut was described as up and down as he joined a new team during the season.

detroitlions.com - Detroit beat Green Bay 20-17, improving its record to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the NFC North.

detroitlions.com - Detroit’s defense held Green Bay to a missed field-goal attempt after the fourth-down stop; Detroit then won on a Jake Bates field goal as time expired.

detroitlions.com - Detroit rushed for 119 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Dan Campbell said, “We're investing a lot right now in the run and that's where we have to be better.”

detroitlions.com - Campbell said the fourth-down decision was a “gut call,” that he believed Detroit would convert, and that he expected the offense would get the ball back with time to respond. He said he did not want Jared Goff’s offense to end the game on the sideline without another chance to possess the ball.

detroitlions.com - Campbell said Detroit had gone 17 games without back-to-back wins; victories over Arizona and Green Bay marked consecutive wins.

detroitlions.com - Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had minor ankle injuries. Campbell expected both to rest from practice Wednesday and possibly return Thursday.

Sportskeeda - Tomlin supported Campbell’s fourth-and-one gamble in Detroit’s game against Green Bay.

Sportskeeda - NFL fans reacted to what the headline called Tomlin’s “ironic” stance. The headline quoted fan reaction: “0% chance he would have went for that.”

Heavy NFL - Campbell chose to go for it from Detroit’s own 24-yard line in a tied game.

Heavy NFL - The play was stopped in the backfield, and Green Bay took over in field-goal range.

Heavy NFL - The article described Campbell’s decision as controversial and said it drew criticism.

Heavy NFL - A separate article reported that Campbell assessed Detroit’s defense after the Lions’ win against the Packers; the supplied text does not include his specific assessment.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The game was between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.

Heavy NFL - Campbell’s fourth-down decision was made at Detroit’s own 24-yard line.

WHEN:

Sportskeeda - The game was identified as Detroit’s Week 7 game; the decision came with under five minutes remaining.

Heavy NFL - The failed play left Green Bay with possession in field-goal range with just over five minutes remaining in a tied game.

WHY:

detroitlions.com - Campbell cited six weeks of film showing Jordan Love and Green Bay’s offense winning late as a reason he wanted Detroit to retain a chance to possess the ball again.

Heavy NFL - Campbell went for the first down while the game was tied; the supplied article text does not state his reasoning.

HOW:

Sportskeeda - Campbell attempted to convert fourth-and-one; the supplied text does not specify the play design.

Heavy NFL - The attempt was stopped in the backfield, giving Green Bay possession in field-goal range.

The Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers 20 to 17, winning on Jake Bates’ field goal as time expired and earning consecutive victories. Detroit coach Dan Campbell’s fourth-and-one gamble from his own 24-yard line in a tie game was stopped in the backfield, but the defense held Green Bay to a missed field goal; Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin backed Campbell’s decision, which Campbell said was a gut call meant to give Jared Goff’s offense another chance with the ball. Campbell praised the defense’s improving confidence and coverage, while saying missed assignments and technique contributed to an inconsistent run game that gained 119 yards, and noted that center Cade Mays’ return could help.