The NFL outlook changed for the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Dec. 5, after their definitive win over the Dallas Cowboys, and it changed for the better. The Lions pulled off a 44-30 victory on home turf to not only keep their playoff hopes alive but to make getting there much more realistic with their 8-5 record.
Now, with that win over Dallas, the Lions’ playoff chances are between 45% to 55%. As for the exact numbers, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Detroit Lions have a 54% chance to make the playoffs as of Dec. 5, while the the Chicago Bears have a 74% chance and Green Bay Packers have a 88% chance.
So, it’s good news for the Lions, although the team did lose Brian Branch for the season after getting injured in the game. After the win, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke to the media, and he talked about what this win meant to the team, the players involved and what made it so important. But, he didn’t address the elephant in the room, and this author is curious.
Dan Campbell Didn’t Mention Detroit Lions Changes
Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties on Nov. 9 for the team’s game against the Washington Commanders. It worked, with the Lions winning that game, 44-22, but the Commanders had starters sidelined, as well as their franchise quarterback. Campbell’s play-calling didn’t do so well against the Eagles and Packers, and the Lions dropped both of those games.
Campbell is known for going for it on fourth, but he did that excessively in the Eagles and Packers games, and the team paid the price for it. But, that totally changed against the Dallas Cowboys.
Against the Eagles and Packers, Bates only kicked one field goal in each game, with Campbell instead opting to take chancier plays. But, against the Cowboys, Bates attempted four field goals and made three of them.
Jake Bates’ Contribution in Detroit Lions Win
Jake Bates‘ three successful field goals were from the 38, 47 and 46 yard lines. While some could argue that adding field goals wouldn’t have helped the Lions beat the Eagles or Packers, the reality is that field goals put numbers on the board. Plus, there’s the intangible factor of how getting points on the board motivates teams and makes them feel closer to their goal, which could have also helped with momentum in those games.
“I’ve said it all along, we can’t worry about the outside noise,” Campbell said after the win. “We’re the ones who write our own narrative. We’re the ones who know what we are and what it takes and why we’ve had some difficulties. But also, why we’re able to succeed.”
So, did someone have a talk with Campbell and tell him to tone it down a bit? After the team’s loss to the Packers, he claimed that he would keep going for it on fourth, but actions speak louder than words, and his actions proved otherwise on Thursday.
Either way, let’s applaud Campbell for doing the right thing, because field goals may seem less exciting, but they bring up the score.
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