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Upon the Lions’ onside kick in the early fourth quarter, Dan Campbell discussed his approach to coaching decisions…

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Live by the sword, perish by the sword.

The Buffalo Bills, another Super Bowl contender, were the guests of the Detroit Lions last Sunday. At the outset of the fourth quarter, Lions head coach Dan Campbell elected to execute an onside kick, as the team was trailing 28-38. Mack Hollins, a Bills receiver, was able to return the kick to the Lions’ five-yard line after it traveled only five yards. The Bills ultimately scored, establishing a 45-28 lead.

In the end, the Lions were defeated 48-42, resulting in a 12-2 record. Subsequent to the game, that moment has been the primary subject of discourse. Campbell addressed the play that ultimately cost them the game today.

The third-year head coach further stated that these decisions are made in the moment and are not something that he contemplates or frets over. Ultimately, Campbell has the option to continue moving forward if his decision does not work out, but he does not regret it.

“I have no remorse for kicking it.” I lament the fact that it was reduced to five. Campbell stated, “I was unaware that this would occur; consequently, I regret my actions.” “I don’t want to ever want to be in a position where I stand in front of the team, and I can’t even look them in the eyes, because I did something that I knew in my heart that I didn’t believe in.”

Campbell is, without exception, a man of great passion.

(Photo: Nic Antaya, Getty)

Campbell’s outlook is mirrored by the Lions’ offense, which is genuinely aggressive. First in points per game (32.8), second in yards per game (403.9), second in red zone scoring-percentage (70.00), fifth in third-down conversions (45.83%), and fourth in fourth-down conversions (72.00%).

The Lions have achieved victories as a result of this aggressive approach. For instance, in Week 14, they converted on fourth-and-one in the final 30 seconds of regulation against the Green Bay Packers. The Lions secured a 34-31 victory as a result of the game-winning field goal, which was the result of the fervorous play.

Additionally, losses have been precipitated by the aggressive approach. In addition to the previous week, Campbell’s courageous decisions were unsuccessful in the NFC Championship game of the previous season. These decisions included failed fourth-down conversions, turned-down field goals in anticipation of touchdowns, questionable play calling, and turnovers.

It is my sincere hope that Campbell and the Lions will be able to manage their aggression as they progress toward the postseason. Until then, they must attend to their obligations against the Chicago Bears this Sunday.

Should Detroit Lions sign seasoned quarterback hoping to return to NFL?

Given the Detroit Lions’ 12-2 record, tied for the best in the NFC, the club has undoubtedly seen a lot of injuries this season. But as the playoffs draw near, one issue begs: Should starting quarterback Jared Goff sustain an injury, what would that mean? For such a situation, would the Lions be prepared? Should it be necessary, might second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker—who has only nine total throw attempts in his NFL career—step in and guide the club?

Bringing back seasoned quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who just revealed his intentions to return to the NFL following a little break, is one possible fix to take under consideration. Spending some of his time with the Detroit Lions, Bridgewater has been coaching high school football in Florida and just guided his alma mater, Miami Northwestern, to a state title. After proving successful as a high school coach, Bridgewater showed up on NFL Network and revealed he intends to go back to the NFL, maybe in the next two weeks.

Bridgewater stated on Tuesday’s edition of The Insiders, “I wanted to win a state championship, then coach goes back to the league, see what happens, then come back in February in the offseason, continue coaching high school football.”

The Argument in Support of Signing Bridgewater

A team like the Lions, who are ready for a postseason run but may be susceptible at quarterback should Goff incur an injury, might find great value in Bridgewater’s experience and leadership. Although the Lions have invested in Hooker, who might be their future, his lack of NFL experience begs concerns about his capacity to handle a high-stress scenario, such a playoff game.

Conversely, Bridgewater has been a consistent backup during his career; he has started 66 NFL games—including one playoff game. Having tried several offensive schemes, including a brief time with the Lions, his knowledge might enable him to jump in if necessary and properly run the game.

Bridgewater’s leadership abilities are really obvious given his recent coaching success. Along with giving the club a safety net should Goff go down with an injury, he could tutor Hooker.

Believing the System

Ultimately, Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have the last say. Should the worst happen to Goff, if they really feel Hooker is ready to take over and guide the club, they can rely on their second-year quarterback to meet the challenge. On the other hand, if they feel more at ease with a veteran like Bridgewater on the roster, then signing him may provide them piece of mind should an injury arise.

Given the Lions’ postseason ambitions, particularly, Bridgewater’s possible NFL comeback would be worth investigating. Whether Hooker or Bridgewater is stepping up, the Lions must be ready for any circumstance as they enter the most crucial stretch of their season.

W.g. Brady

For numerous years, Detroit-based writer W.G. Brady has been covering Detroit sports scene for Detroit Sports Nation. Early in his 30s, he has a lot of industrial experience. Over his career, W.G. has become a reputable and informed writer distinguished for his thorough coverage of Detroit’s clubs and sportsmen. Passionate about sports and with a sharp eye for detail, W.G. has evolved into a go-to source for readers and fans seeking the most recent news and opinion on the Detroit sports scene. In the sporting world, he enjoys a high reputation for objectivity in reporting events. W.G. is renowned for his ability to find untold tales and offer original viewpoints on the teams and sportsmen he writes about. His knowledge of Detroit and its sports scene is strong, which he applies to guide his research and writing. In the Detroit sports scene, he is still a revered writer.

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