The NFL can’t change the onside kick fast enough for Campbell of the Lions

Thoughts:

Before Dan Campbell made the bad choice to try an onside kick at an odd time, the NFL was already planning to look into it.

With 12 minutes left, the Lions were down 10 points to the Bills and their very bold coach called for an onside kick. Mack Hollins of the Buffalo Bills recovered the kick and ran it back to the 5 yard line. The Bills scored on the next play and went on to beat the Ravens 48–42 in a game that could be a preview of the Super Bowl.

It would be good for leaders like Campbell, who aren’t afraid to take risks, to bring back surprise onside kicks. Campbell likes to take risks more than anyone else, and he’s not afraid to go for it on fourth down no matter what.

Campbell tried this onside kick because he was desperate.The Detroit defense had a lot of injuries and couldn’t stop Josh Allen and the Bills. Buffalo had scored five touchdowns, made one field goal, and missed one field goal in its first nine drives before the Lions tried to take the ball away.

Bell said, “I thought we’d get that ball.” “I wish I didn’t do it.”

The Bills knew it was going to happen because the league changed the rules for kickoffs so that teams have to call an onside kick and can only try it in the fourth quarter. The Saints once did an onside kick to start the second half of a Super Bowl, which added a bit of surprise. But this season, the new rules have taken away that factor, which has made the success rate even lower.

In 2018, when the NFL banned running starts on kickoffs, the number of successful onside kicks started to go down. Since that change, the success rate has dropped to 8.6%, half of what it was before.

As of Week 15, only 3 of 41 (7.3%) onside kicks had been recovered.

Last week, NFL executive Troy Vincent said that the competition committee needs to think of ways to bring back the onside kick because it has been labeled as “a dead play.” During the off-season, the league made big changes to the kickoff rules to bring back returns. The onside kick has been lost because of that.

Vince said, “I believe everything should be on the table.” “When we changed the kickoff five or six years ago, it also changed the onside kick.” There used to be overload, attack blocks, and trap blocks on that play, which made it pretty risky. It’s possible to set people up to fail, as we say.

“I think you need to look at everything.” In any quarter, you should be able to do that. There is no surprise in the onside kick. All of those things need to be brought up again. We should look around. We should try to make every play exciting, no matter if it’s the first quarter or the fourth.

One possible solution would be to let each team run one play to gain a certain number of yards and keep the ball. This crazy idea might be the best way to fix things since it will be hard to change the onside kick without also changing how all kickoffs are formed.

With an onside kick instead, the Eagles said, teams could try a fourth-and-20 from their own 20. It was turned down by club owners in a vote at the league’s spring meetings.

“It has gotten more votes than it did from the beginning to the end of the campaign a year ago,” Vincent said. “There has been progress, but those are all the things we need to look into.” We need to think of new ideas. And I believe our coaches are smart enough to come up with a decent, competitive play that will make those moments more exciting again.

No one knows how many onside kicks Campbell or someone else would try if the element of surprise came back. As an alternative to the present onside kick, the fourth-and-long won’t come as a surprise, but it is a better choice.

This is a big problem for Detroit, which lost after 11 games in a row because Campbell tried to block the onside kick early in the fourth quarter. The Lions (12-2) lost defensive tackle Alim McNeill and safety Carlton Davis III to injuries that could end their seasons. Aidan Hutchinson, a star edge rusher, is already out, and they have more players on injured reserve than any other team.

Campbell said, “I’m not buying it, I don’t” when asked if the losses might catch up to the defense. “We can do better.” We ought to have done better. We know they’re good, but that team had to get to work faster than us.

In the 2025 NFL mock draft, the Detroit Lions get some offensive line help…

According to ESPN Insider Field Yates’ 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions are expected to choose Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson with the 32nd overall choice in the first round. This selection makes sense for a squad that has prioritized a tough, unselfish attitude and wishes to continue laying a solid foundation up front.

A good fit for the Lions’ offensive line needs.

Yates explained why Jackson may be the ideal pick for Detroit, especially considering the Lions’ current offensive line problem. “The Lions want for strong, unselfish athletes. “Jackson fits the bill,” Yates wrote. “He is one of the best guards in college football, but he moved to left tackle to replace Simmons for Ohio State this season, playing more than half of his plays out of position. His desire to play a new position speaks loudly about his draft prospects, and he would benefit Detroit as it looks to the future on the interior offensive line.”

This adaptability is a major reason why Jackson would be such an asset to the Lions. Although he is typically a guard, his ability to play left tackle illustrates his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever necessary. With the Lions concentrating on developing a line that can protect their quarterback while also opening up holes in the running game, Jackson’s tenacity and selflessness make him an excellent match.

Detroit’s Aging Guards: The Need for Future Planning

Yates also mentioned that the Lions’ main guards, Graham Glasgow (32) and Kevin Zeitler (34) are getting up there in years. While both have been valuable players to Detroit, the team must begin planning for the future on the offensive line. Adding a guy like Jackson would assure that the Lions have a young, talented guard ready to come in and make an instant impact, while also offering a long-term answer as the club continues to grow around quarterback Jared Goff.

Jackson’s ability to solve an urgent need while also growing into a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive line offers the Lions a promising future. Jackson’s abilities and versatility would benefit an already strong offensive line, whether he starts right away or adds depth as he adjusts to the NFL.

Building for the Future with Jackson.

Donovan Jackson is a huge step in ensuring that Detroit’s offensive line stays a dominant force in the league for the foreseeable future. He is precisely the sort of player the Lions have been looking for in previous selections, with a combination of toughness, flexibility, and selflessness. Jackson’s pick at No. 32 would be a wise decision for the Lions to develop a club capable of long-term success in the NFC.

W. G. Brady

W.G. Brady is a Detroit-based writer who has spent several years covering the city’s sports scene for Detroit Sports Nation. He is in his early thirties and has extensive expertise in the field. W.G. has built a reputation as a respected and informed writer, best recognized for his in-depth coverage of Detroit’s clubs and sportsmen. With a strong eye for detail and a passion for sports, W.G. has established himself as a go-to source for fans and readers seeking the most recent news and opinion on the Detroit sports scene. He has a strong reputation in the sports community and is known for his objective coverage of sporting events. W.G. is well-known for his ability to discover hidden tales and offer new insights on the teams and individuals he covers. He has a strong awareness of Detroit and its sports culture, which he utilizes to shape his reporting and commentary. He is a renowned writer in the Detroit sports world.

BREAKING: The NFL has given a warning and fined Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur $35,000 for misconduct after he screamed “f*** you” three times following a personal foul call against the Detroit Lions featuring Jared Goff.

NFL Fines Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur $35,000 for Sideline Outburst

The National Football League (NFL) has issued a stern warning and fined Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur $35,000 following an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct during the Packers’ recent game against the Detroit Lions. The altercation occurred in response to a controversial personal foul penalty involving Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

The Incident

The heated moment unfolded during a pivotal point in the game. After a penalty was called on a Packers defensive player for unnecessary roughness against Goff, LaFleur was visibly furious. Cameras and microphones caught LaFleur shouting “f*** you” three times in the direction of the officials. The outburst was broadcast live, drawing significant attention and prompting the league’s swift response.

While emotions often run high in competitive games, the NFL enforces strict rules regarding sideline behavior, particularly when it comes to interactions with officials. LaFleur’s actions were deemed a breach of the league’s code of conduct.

NFL’s Response

In a statement released on Thursday, the NFL confirmed the fine and issued a warning to LaFleur, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and respect on the field. The league’s statement read:
“The NFL holds its coaches, players, and staff to the highest standards of sportsmanship. Any conduct that undermines the integrity of the game or disrespects officials will not be tolerated.”

Packers’ Reaction

The Green Bay Packers organization has not yet issued an official statement, but sources close to the team suggest that LaFleur has privately addressed the incident with his staff and players. Speaking to reporters during a post-game interview, LaFleur expressed frustration over the penalty but refrained from directly commenting on his behavior or the fine.

“I’m passionate about this team and protecting my players,” LaFleur said. “That being said, I need to hold myself to a higher standard, and I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

Fan and Media Reactions

The incident has sparked mixed reactions across social media and sports talk shows. While some fans defended LaFleur’s emotional response as a sign of his commitment to the team, others criticized the head coach for setting a poor example.

Looking Ahead

This incident marks the first major conduct-related fine for LaFleur, who has been known for his usually calm demeanor on the sidelines. As the Packers push toward the postseason, maintaining discipline both on and off the field will be crucial for the team.

The NFL’s decision serves as a reminder to all teams and coaching staff that professionalism remains paramount, even in the heat of competition. Whether this incident impacts LaFleur’s leadership in the coming weeks remains to be seen.

The fan who went viral for his cheese grater hat was offered tickets by the Lions, but he declined for a very good reason…

There won’t be a big supporter of the Detroit Lions when they play the Packers on “Thursday Night Football.”

The devotion of this fan paid off.

For his bravery in being behind enemy lines during the Detroit Lions’ first game against the Green Bay Packers (Week 9), Lions supporter David Bodine became viral on the internet. Cheeseheads, or Packers supporters, are notorious for wearing the dairy product on their heads. Bodine, 35, responded by wearing a cheese grater to the game.

The Lions won 24–14, but they will need Bodine again tonight. The Lions are vying for a postseason spot on “Thursday Night Football” against the Packers, and everyone in Detroit wants Bodine to be present.

I am, unfortunately, not going to make the game tonight. But I’ll be watching from home with my Graterhead on. https://t.co/WuBaODYdd8

— David Bodine (@dbodine3) December 5, 2024

In order to find out more about Bodine and his obsession, the Detroit Free Press managed to locate him. His tale, of course, just serves to increase the fan’s likeability.

“My wife and I have been attending Lions-Packers games together for years because she is a Packers fan,” Bodine told the news organization. Bodine went on to say that his wife, Sarah, always dons the renowned foam cheese hat, while he wears the cheese grater cap.

The organization gave the pair tickets to tonight’s game because Bodine is now well-known among Lions fans. Regretfully, the Bodine family will not be present.

See, this is why the @Lions are awesome.

I’m still not able to make the game, though. It’s a 10-hour drive in good conditions – and we’ve been hammered with ~35” of snow in the last few days.

But my dog, Copper, and I will just have to cheer a little bit louder. https://t.co/pT4zH4YOb6 pic.twitter.com/aTuqedJfuc

— David Bodine (@dbodine3) December 5, 2024

At the moment, the Bodines reside in Hancock, Michigan, around ten hours from Detroit. David said in his most recent X post that although things are going well, the drive is still too long and that his town has been “hammered with 35 [inches] of snow in the last few days.” However, Bodine stated that if someone could provide him with a ride in a private aircraft, he would be willing to attend the game.

See, this is why the @Lions are awesome.

I’m still not able to make the game, though. It’s a 10-hour drive in good conditions – and we’ve been hammered with ~35” of snow in the last few days.

But my dog, Copper, and I will just have to cheer a little bit louder. https://t.co/pT4zH4YOb6 pic.twitter.com/aTuqedJfuc

— David Bodine (@dbodine3) December 5, 2024

Let’s wait and see whether the Lions organization can come up with a solution. Both sides have a lot on the line in the interim. The Packers are two games behind the Minnesota Vikings, who are only one game behind the Lions. If the Lions defeat the Packers on “TNF,” they will secure both a postseason berth and the head-to-head tiebreaker. To have a chance of leaving the NFC North, the Packers would need to defeat the Vikings in their second meeting, although a Packers victory would split their head-to-head games.

Dan Campbell of Lions hilariously responds to Dan Campbell Lookalike Contest in the Motor City

One Detroit Lions player became ill to his stomach in the middle of a post-game statement following a significant Thursday Night Football triumph.

Thanks to a walk-off, game-winning field goal from kicker Jake Bates, the Lions had just finished upsetting the division foe Green Bay Packers and would be moving to 12-1 on the season.

Campbell had started addressing the squad in the locker room following the game when backup offensive lineman Dan Skipper started to throw up.

In the speech, Campbell said, “Offense that’s a way to step up, man, that’s a way to step up – there you go, Skip, keep throwin’ up! Whatever your current activity over there. That’s how you frickin’ lay it on the line.

The camera moved to Skipper hunching down and appearing red in the face as his friends laughed alongside.

Campbell grabbed it in stride and carried on his speech to the team: “Guys, I’m so frickin’ proud of you dude. That’s your mode of showing up. You mention pressure? Every day we live under strain.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell had his post-game speech interrupted by a player

Offensive lineman Dan Skipper was seen throwing up after a hard-fought win over Green Bay

Detroit trailed twice against Green Bay and worked their way out of it to secure the victory.

When they gifted the Packers consecutive touchdowns, they first squandered a 17-7 halftime lead. They eventually broke free from that jam leading 24 to 21 entering the last quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Green Bay would once more lead, until Detroit answered with a score.

With over three-and- a- half minutes left, the Packers would kick a field goal to give Detroit the ball back with the game tied.

They drove down the field in eleven plays, setting up a 35-yard field goal for Bates, who easily completed it.

Detroit has won their previous eleven games consecutively into their last four games before to the playoffs.

Next Sunday will be Buffalo Bills.