Detroit Lions players defended head coach Dan Campbell after he came under fire for his fourth-down decision-making in the NFC Championship loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
“I say it every time I get asked that question, Dan is the best coach in the league,” Lions running back David Montgomery said when asked about the decision, via the Detroit News. “Everything he says, we trust and we support him. Everything he says is the right decision.”
Montgomery’s comments came after Campbell made two controversial fourth-down decisions on Sunday, giving up two potential field goal opportunities in favor of going for it. The Lions were unable to recover an onside kick in the final seconds of the game, resulting in a 34-31 loss.
Lions stumble in NFC title game, outkick Dan Dakich blames Dan Campbell for ‘career-altering mistake’
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during the NFC Championship Game vs. the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Shearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The first attack came midway through the third quarter when the Lions held a 24-10 lead, facing a fourth-and-2 from the 49ers’ 28-yard line. Instead of kicking a 35-yard field goal, Campbell chose to continue attacking up the field, resulting in a dropped pass by wide receiver Josh Reynolds that could have resulted in a first down.
The second time was midway through the fourth quarter, with the Lions leading by three points. Facing a fourth-and-three from the 49ers’ own 30-yard line, Campbell opted to keep the offense on the field again, resulting in an incomplete pass and another turnover on downs.
These moves were widely condemned by critics, including Outkick’s Dan Dakich, who said Campbell made a “career-changing” mistake in the match.
“Victory favors the team that makes the fewest mistakes.” “Please don’t talk to me” The host spoke about the decision as follows: “He made a career-changing mistake, and it was a simple move. He kicked a field goal, but there was no momentum.”
Josh Reynolds of the Detroit Lions fails to make a catch during the NFC Championship Game on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Campbell has also been under fire on social media, with NFL fans and commentators expressing their distaste for the decision.
NESN’s Kendra Middleton wrote, “Dan Campbell is a total idiot. You can’t blame anyone but him for the loss.”
“I know Dan Campbell’s whole philosophy is to just go for it, but I mean… I’m surprised,” Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy said.
However, Lions players had a different opinion and defended their coach. One of those players was Reynolds, who dropped a pass on his first failed fourth-down attempt.
A look back at the Lions’ historic 2023 season: From hope to heartbreak
“He called because he fully expected us to get it, and we did, but the execution (failed),” Reynolds said, as reported by the Detroit News. That’s what it means. “We don’t want to lose. Losing to go to the Super Bowl just makes things worse.”
Campbell’s other defender was Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who said he “loved” the decisions made during the game.
“I loved it…I didn’t connect. I’ll throw a better pitch next time.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks with quarterback Jared Goff during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Campbell became well-known in NFL circles for his aggressive personality during his time with the Lions, and that trend showed no signs of slowing down during the 2023 season. During the regular season, the Lions attempted to score from less than three yards from fourth down 21 times and completed 16 of those attempts (76.1%).
Meanwhile, the team’s kicker position has been questionable throughout the season, with current kicker Michael Badgley just promoted from the team’s practice squad after Week 14.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Meanwhile, Campbell told reporters after the loss that he doesn’t “regret” his fourth-down decision.
“I was so glad we converted,” Campbell said. “And we grabbed our momentum and didn’t let them play long balls. They were killing time — that’s how they do it — and I wanted to get the edge back.”
