Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hold back during his appearance on 97.1 The Ticket, expressing frustration with the hosts and challenging them to be candid about their opinions. The discussion focused on the controversial two-point conversion attempts at the end of the game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Campbell staunchly defended the decision to go for two points, emphasizing that he had communicated the plan to the offense and was committed to pursuing the win. Despite criticism from host Jim Costa, who labeled the decision as “lunatic,” Campbell remained resolute, stating he would have kicked if the team was positioned outside the 10-yard line.
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When challenged by Costa to express his opinion more candidly, Campbell welcomed the honesty. Costa characterized the decision as reckless, and Campbell, appreciating the straightforwardness, maintained that he had no regrets about the aggressive choice.
“I think from the 7 it’s a low-percentage play,” said Costa. “I think your chances of winning are lower than if you kick the extra point.”
“No, say it like you would say it to anybody else,” said Campbell. “I’m on the radio, say it like you want to say it.”
“I thought it was a reckless decision,” responded Costa.
“Thank you!” said Campbell, who reiterated that he did not regret going for two.
“If they play a certain coverage that is the last place it will go, and that was the exact coverage we got,” Campbell said. “You’re not thinking that’s going to be the first thing that’s going to pop. You’re hoping that (Sam) LaPorta is going to pop and he ended up creating a rub. So while Goff’s waiting for it, you realize, god, I gotta pull the trigger here, and it just didn’t work out, man.”
Explaining the play dynamics, Campbell highlighted the unexpected coverage by the Cowboys and acknowledged that the execution did not unfold as planned, leading to the unsuccessful attempt. Despite the controversy, including a penalty on the initial successful try, Campbell stood by his decision, expressing disappointment in the outcome but maintaining the conviction to go for the win.
The Lions’ playoff aspirations took a hit with the loss to the Cowboys, and the two-point conversion attempts will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the game, shaping the team’s postseason prospects.