In today’s risk-averse NFL, most coaches play it safe on fourth down. Not Dan Campbell. The Detroit Lions’ head coach has embraced aggression, establishing a new identity for the long-struggling franchise. Campbell’s bold fourth-down decisions have the Lions playing with swagger and energizing the team and its fanbase.
A Tradition of Fourth-Down Gambles
Since Campbell took over in 2021, the Lions have gone for it on fourth down more than any other team, attempting a league-high 144 fourth-down conversions. They’ve converted an impressive 55.6% of those tries, tenth-best in the NFL over that span. It’s become such a staple, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown calls it a Lions “tradition”:
For us, it’s traditional now. It’s what we do. Being on this team for so long, you’re used to it. It’s the way we play football. You already know before the game what the mindset’s gonna be. So it’s never a surprise going into any game. It’s fun.
– Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions wide receiver
No Flinching Under Pressure
Campbell’s resolve was on full display in a thrilling Week 14 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. With the score tied and 43 seconds left, Detroit faced a fourth-and-1 at the Packers’ 21-yard line. Instead of attempting a chip-shot field goal, Campbell kept the offense on the field. The gutsy call paid off as running back David Montgomery’s 7-yard gain set up the winning kick.
For Campbell, that faith stems from his preparation and trust in the team. “When you’re in it with these guys, and you’ve been around them long enough,” he explained, “there’s been enough time on task with those guys … that I felt good, and I felt like we’d find a way.”
Keeping Defenses on Their Toes
The Lions’ fourth-down aggression makes life difficult for opposing defenses. They have to stay on the field for extra plays, wearing them down physically and mentally. San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner says it forces defenders to retrain their minds:
You do have to prepare your mind for that and just make sure you’re aware of that. Because if you went out there thinking that it’s just going to be three plays and you’re out on the fourth-and-1, fourth-and-2, and you get surprised with it, then obviously you’re going to be in for a heck of a game.
– Fred Warner, 49ers linebacker
By going for it frequently, the Lions also become tougher to predict on third downs. Teams have to wonder: Are they playing for the conversion now, or setting up a fourth-down try? It adds an extra layer to the chess match.
Preparing for Pressure Moments
After two failed fourth-down attempts contributed to last year’s NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers, Campbell used that as motivation. He’s put an even greater emphasis on attention to detail and execution under pressure in practice, especially in fourth-down situations. As running backs coach Scottie Montgomery explained:
This whole year, he’s been preparing this club for these types of moments … like fourth-and-1 where we were all excited when it happened and when it went down because we understand what we’ve been prepared to do.
– Scottie Montgomery, Lions running backs coach
By consistently putting his team in pressure-packed practice scenarios, Campbell is building their “gotta have it” mentality. Fourth down is no longer a panic situation – it’s just the next play.
Embodying the “Be You” Mantra
Campbell’s daring fourth-down approach is a reflection of his personality. He’s comfortable in his own skin and unafraid to buck convention, for better or worse. As offensive coordinator Ben Johnson observed, Campbell truly embodies the “Be You” advice often given to NFL coaches:
When you look at Dan Campbell, you see a guy who’s very comfortable in his own skin. He’s not afraid to go away from the norm and deal with the consequences, good or bad, from it.
– Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator
As the Lions pursue their first Super Bowl appearance, Campbell’s aggressive mindset has become a defining trait. In Detroit, “Dan Gamble” isn’t a criticism – it’s a badge of honor. By empowering his team to play boldly, he’s changing the franchise’s culture and identity, one heart-pounding fourth down at a time.
