Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, known for his aggressive coaching style, saw his bold approach backfire in Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Lions spent much of the second half chasing Buffalo’s high-powered offense, narrowing the lead to 10 points early in the fourth quarter after a 12-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to Jahmyr Gibbs.
In a bid to keep the ball away from Josh Allen and the Bills offense, Campbell opted for an onside kick. The decision backfired as Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins recovered the high, bouncing kick and returned it to the 5-yard line. Buffalo capitalized immediately, scoring on the next play to extend their lead to 45-28.
After the game, Campbell took full responsibility for the call.
“I wish I wouldn’t have done that,” Campbell said, via the Detroit News.
Dan Campbell Willing to Take the Risk
Campbell’s aggressive decisions have largely paid off this season, particularly on offense, where the Lions frequently go for it on fourth down and boast the league’s top-scoring offense as a result. Reflecting on the onside kick, Campbell admitted he would have reconsidered the decision in hindsight but praised the execution of the play.
“I thought we’d get the possession, you know? I thought we were gonna get that ball. It was one of Bates’ best kicks that I’ve seen him have. That was a big kicker at the end, you know, that thing took a good jump on us, and Hollins made a heck of a play on it,” Campbell said, via the Detroit News.
Despite the costly mistake, the Lions continued to fight, scoring touchdowns on their final two possessions but failing to recover a late onside kick. The Bills held on to win 48-42, marking the highest-scoring game of the NFL season so far.
Big Losses for Lions
The loss was significant for the Lions, dropping them to 12-2 and into a tie with the Minnesota Vikings for first place in the NFC North after the Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears on Monday. The Lions, who entered the week as the NFC’s top seed, are now tied with both the Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles for the conference’s best record.
The Lions’ struggles extended beyond the standings. Running back David Montgomery suffered a sprained MCL that will require surgery, ending his season.
“Looks like he’s going to require surgery that’ll put him out for the rest of the year,” Campbell said, via ESPN. “He had gotten it at some point yesterday in that game.
“I mean, David’s so tough. He continued to play through and then got it checked out today and realized that’s what it was. He’s just the ultimate teammate, ultimate competitor. We’re going to miss him, man.”
The Lions also lost defensive tackle Alim McNeill to a season-ending ACL tear, while cornerback Carlton Davis III sustained a fractured jaw that will require surgery and could sideline him indefinitely.
