The Detroit Lions held a 24-7 halftime lead and after allowing a 50-yard field goal drive got the ball back up two touchdowns in the third quarter. But facing a fourth-and-2 on San Francisco's 28, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell stuck to his guns and eschewed a 45-yard field goal attempt and went for it. The play failed.
Just 101 seconds of game time later, the Lions' offense had the ball back again, but this time their advantage was cut to seven. On their first play, they fumbled. And 127 seconds later the game was tied.
After another punt, the 49ers field goal capping a long drive made it 20 unanswered. Detroit got the ball down three with 9:52 to play in the NFC championship game. Two minutes later, they faced another fourth-and-3. This time Campbell again eschewed a 47-yard field goal and went for it. The play failed again.
A San Fran touchdown drive put Detroit in a 10-point hole with 3:02 to play and that's when things got even more dicey for the Lions and the clock management woes took form.
Kevin Sheehan has thoughts on all of the Lions head coach's decisions – and the play calls of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the front-runner for the Washington Commanders vacant head coaching position.
Listen to that on the audio player above!