The Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions began the NFL 2023 with a bang. Everyone was looking at the Chiefs as the clear winner between the two. However, the Lions shocked everyone with their magnificent gameplay on the gridiron. Along with the players, it’s Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell who turned out to be the hero.
In the regular season kick-off, Patrick Mahomes‘ Chiefs faced a 20-21 loss against the Lions. With the win, the Lions now appear to be a worthy candidate to win the NFC North this year. Throughout the match, the hard work coach Dan Campbell has put into the team was quite visible. However, it was his fake punt call towards the end that won everyone’s heart.
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One fan wrote, “The Lions absolutely bullied the Chiefs in the trenches tonight… MCDC is building a monster”. Another fan commented, “Very impressive win”. Another fan wrote, “Love Dan! He’s moral and good for D”. Another one wrote, “Gutsy call, you have to get it but that’s how you turn a franchise around“. Another one wrote, “Classic Dan”. Another fan wrote, “Dan Campbell is a very good coach”.
Campbell‘s Lions kept the Chiefs under constant pressure throughout the match. Moreover, the absence of Travis Kelce didn’t make things easier for Mahomes. The Lions held the star quarterback to 226 passing yards, with their offense producing only 14 points. So, the team’s efforts, along with the masterstroke of Dan Campbell led the Lions to victory.
A closer look at the fake punt call by Dan Campbell
The Detroit Lions might not have won if they’d played safe against the Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Dan Campbell understood the task and took the risky fake punt call other coaches might not have even considered. They were around 10 minutes into this season and he called a fake punt within his own 20-yard line.
During their second drive, the Lions encountered a pivotal fourth-and-two situation on their own 17-yard line. Initially, the punt team was called onto the field, as one might expect. However, the Lions had different plans as they weren’t punting, but rather faked it.
LB Jalen Reeves received the snap and surged ahead for a 3-yard gain, securing a crucial first down. After that, the team of Dan Campbell orchestrated an impressive drive that penetrated deep into the Chiefs’ territory. The Lions were unstoppable throughout the game. As coach Campbell said after the game they “expected to win this game”.
What Dan Campbell said makes it clear that the team was never in doubt. However, it’s the Madden 24 highest-rated star’s team that might be in doubt now. The Chiefs must be making their plans already to have a good NFL season ahead.