DETROIT – In a dramatic finish, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell made a bold call that secured his team’s 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
The win clinched a playoff berth for the Lions for the second consecutive season—a feat not achieved since 1994-95—and extended their remarkable winning streak to 11 games.
The Decisive Call
Facing fourth-and-inches from the Packers’ 21-yard line with 43 seconds left in a tied game, Campbell opted to go for it rather than risk giving the ball back to Green Bay. Running back David Montgomery delivered, rushing for 7 yards to set up kicker Jake Bates’ game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.
“I just felt like we needed to end it on offense,” Campbell said. “I trusted our O-line, I trusted David, and they came through. It’s a hell of a call by Ben [Johnson, offensive coordinator]. The team knew how we wanted to play, and everything in me told me to finish it this way.”
Bates’ Clutch Performance
Bates, who was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November, notched his third game-winning kick of the season. The first-year kicker also secured victories with field goals in Weeks 7 and 10.
“I’m trying to stay as leveled as I can,” Bates said. “Fipp [special teams coordinator Dave Fipp] always says, ‘Never ride the roller coaster.’ That mindset helps me stay consistent.”
Historic Moments and Team Confidence
The Lions converted four fourth-down attempts against Green Bay—their most in a game this season and tied for their highest total in the past 40 years. Detroit also became just the second NFL team in 45 seasons to attempt a fourth-down conversion inside the opposing 25-yard line with the score tied in the final minute, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown praised Campbell’s confidence in high-pressure situations. “We knew we were going for it on fourth down all game,” St. Brown said. “It surprised me a bit at the end, but when he says go, we’re all in.”
Chasing NFC Supremacy
With a 12-win season—their third in franchise history—the Lions remain in the hunt for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Campbell acknowledged the competitiveness of the NFC North, calling it “the best division in football.”
“Our division is damn good,” Campbell said. “Top-tier talent, coaching, players—the competition is elite. Winning this division and securing home-field advantage will be huge for us.”
The Lions’ triumph solidifies their position as one of the NFL’s top teams, with aspirations for a deep playoff run fueled by Campbell’s fearless leadership and the team’s relentless execution.
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