To think, last year at about this time, it seemed like Dan Campbell was about to be run out of town.
The Lions’ third-year head coach has clearly figured it out. Game management, considered a glaring weakness back then, is now a strength.
That was evident during the Lions’ thrilling 41-38 victory over the Chargers on Sunday.
Facing football’s version of a hot rod in a pedal-to-the-metal drag race, Campbell had all the right answers on the fly.
The Lions went for it fourth down continually, often garnering first downs with their running game despite distances usually reserved for throwing.
With the defense utterly perplexed as to how to stop Chargers QB Justin Herbert, the Lions got the ball with one last, reasonable shot. And the Lions' strategy worked perfectly.
First was a beautifully designed play that sprung receiver Kalif Raymond for a huge catch-and-run. Stuck on third-and-long and teetering on being out of field goal range, a sideline route to Amon-Ra St. Brown put it at fourth and two. While now in field goal range, there was still 1:51 left on the clock, which was more than enough time for the Chargers to rally.
Conventional logic dictated a field goal nonetheless, but Campbell’s outside-the-box strategy of going for the first down and running out the clock worked perfectly.
Quarterback Jared Goff hit tight end Sam LaPorta for the first down, Riley Patterson kicked the field goal and the Lions are 7-2.
It was such an important win. The Vikings steamrolled the Saints behind the new hero of the Twin Cities, former Lion Joshua Dobbs, to move to 6-4. Yeah, a loss Sunday, and the Lions would have only been a half-game up in the NFC North.
Instead, they find themselves remaining in a wonderful, ideal comfort zone, one in which the division is in hand and the coveted first-seed in the NFC very much within reach.
The Chargers may be high-powered offensively once Herbert, Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler and company get rolling, but they are fickle at the moments that decide games, hence the 4-5 record. Yet, they ranked with the Cowboys and, now surprisingly, the Vikings as the Lions’ toughest remaining games. It is a charmed schedule.
The difference between the Lions and the Chargers is finding ways to win games.
The Lions have found a way to win, regardless of the tempo. Since turning it around last season, they have also won their share of grind ‘em out affairs.
If that isn’t a reflection of quality coaching, what is?
It starts with Dan Campbell, who is no longer confused, but correct — even in the heat of an exceptionally fast-paced football game.