“Stop treating Jordan Love like Patrick Mahomes”: Former NFL LB sounds off at Dan Campbell's gamble play vs Packers
The Detroit Lions' Thursday Night Football showdown against the Green Bay Packers saw a controversy erupt. Dan Campbell's fourth-down gamble became the epicenter of a heated NFL debate.
The game was a nail-biter from the start. The Lions were in the lead early into the second quarter (10-0 ). Jordan Love struggled mightily, managing only 31 passing yards in the first half. Za'Darius Smith's early sack set a defensive tone that would define the game's initial stages.
Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker turned media personality, dissected the game during "The Facility Show" on Thursday:
"I do not think that Dan Campbell is aggressive," Acho said. "I think if sometimes he's arrogant, he's asinine. I hated the call. If the Lions would have just kicked the field goal, just kick the field goal, 83% chance to win.
"When you go for it, you drop your chances by 3%, so stop treating Jordan Love like he is Patrick Mahomes ... who is Jordan Love that we respect him like a god, that not respect that we fear him like a god."
The pivotal moment came with 43 seconds left in a tied game. Campbell chose to go for it on fourth-and-inches from Green Bay's 21-yard line. David Montgomery converted with a 7-yard run, setting up Jake Bates' game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.
Dan Campbell's calculated risk or gambling?
Despite the comments by Emmanuel Acho, Dan Campbell's postgame comments revealed his unwavering confidence in his move.
"I just felt like we needed to end it on offense," he told reporters. "I did not want to give that ball back, and I believed we could get that."
The statistics paint an impressive picture of the Lions' aggressive approach. They converted four fourth-down attempts in the game – their most in a single contest in 40 seasons. This win marked their 11th consecutive victory and pushed their record to an impressive 12-1.
Amon-Ra St. Brown provided insight into the team's mindset:
"We knew we were going for it on fourth down all game," he said. "If he says go for it, we're all-in."
The game was a rollercoaster of momentum. Josh Jacobs scored three touchdowns for the Packers, briefly giving them a lead. Jared Goff overcame an early interception to lead a game-winning drive.
Dan Campbell's division perspective added context to the strategy.
"Our division is damn good," he proclaimed. "It's the best division in football in my opinion. We've got top-tier talent, top-tier coaching and players."
This victory is more than just another win. The Lions secured their second consecutive playoff berth – a feat not accomplished in Detroit since 1994-95. They've now secured a 12-win season for only the third time in franchise history.
The debate, though, continues. Acho's criticism highlights the fine line between coaching brilliance and recklessness.