Dan Campbell alerts family to ‘wear a diaper’ before some Detroit Lions games
The Detroit Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell, have been showcasing a brand of football that’s as bold as it is successful. In their nail-biting victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, Campbell’s decision-making on the field was a testament to his aggressive and intuitive coaching style. The game’s climactic moment came during Detroit’s final offensive drive, facing a critical fourth-down decision.
What Happened?
Instead of opting for a long field goal with under two minutes left in the game, Dan Campbell chose to keep the offense on the field. This move was not just a gamble; it was a calculated decision based on the team’s performance and the Chargers’ defensive patterns in the second half. The decision paid off spectacularly, with a key completion to tight end Sam LaPorta, allowing the Lions to control the clock and secure a win as time expired.
What Did Dan Campbell Say?
On Tuesday, during his radio interview on 97.1 The Ticket, Campbell shared insights into his strategy, emphasizing the need for aggression and confidence in his team’s offensive capabilities. He humorously remarked that he advises his family to “wear a diaper” during games, highlighting the intense and unpredictable nature of these matchups.
“Things always happen in a game that’s going to affect your decisions. It just does. But I had a feeling going into that game we needed to be aggressive. And I loved our matchup offensively. And I just knew our guys would respond,” Campbell said. “Certainly in that moment it felt like the right thing to do. And look, here’s what I would say, because I tell my family this, ‘Just wear a diaper before some of these games.’ I’ll give them an alert and say, ‘Put them on and be ready to roll.'”
“I think that’s where I felt like the game was going. I knew I wanted to be aggressive in this game anyway going in, and then I felt like that’s – with where we were at in that game, it felt like the right decision,” Campbell told reporters Monday. “And there again, man, our offense was playing at a high level, our offensive line was – the (Chargers) pass rush was nil because of those guys up front and (Jared) Goff was in a rhythm.
“I just felt really good about it. And ultimately, those guys executed, they made the play, man. Man, I was proud of them, we’re all proud of them. That’s the way to step up.”
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Bold Decision-Making: Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell showcased his aggressive and intuitive coaching style in the team’s recent victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Opting against a 44-yard field goal attempt, Campbell instead chose to go for a fourth-down conversion, a decision that played a crucial role in securing the win.
- Confidence in Team Performance: Campbell’s decision to keep the offense on the field was rooted in his confidence in the team’s offensive capabilities, particularly quarterback Jared Goff and the offensive line.
- Impact of Gutsy Play-Calling: Campbell’s unconventional and daring approach to coaching, characterized by his willingness to take calculated risks, has not only led to thrilling victories but also contributed to fostering a resilient and ambitious culture within the Detroit Lions.
The Bottom Line – “Daring to Win”
Dan Campbell’s approach to coaching is a refreshing departure from conservative play-calling, bringing an exciting edge to the NFL. His willingness to take risks, backed by a belief in his team’s abilities, has not only led to thrilling victories but also fostered a culture of resilience and ambition within the Detroit Lions. As they continue to navigate the 2023 season, Campbell’s daring tactics and unwavering trust in his team’s potential make the Detroit Lions a formidable and unpredictable force on the field.
