Coaching Staff- 3/5 Stars
Much like Goff, this was a very up-and-down game for the coaching staff. But I want to focus on head coach Dan Campbell specifically here.
Campbell easily had his best game as a play-caller, but it was still far from perfect.
The Lions had two fourth-and-short situations where they kept the offense on the field and went for it. Jamaal Williams, who they brought in to be something of a short yardage back, received zero touches in those situations.
In the aforementioned instance where Goff fumbled, that never should have happened. A pass should not have been called there, and that play in particular seemed destined to fail. Even if they opted to try a sneak with Goff instead of running with Williams, there had to be a better play on Campbell’s menu sheet than what was called.
Like Goff, Campbell redeemed himself on the last drive, earning his first win as coach of the Detroit Lions.
👏 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/7mYWKIlEKg
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 5, 2021
Final Thoughts
As many know, there was a shooting at Oxford (MI) High School last week. There were multiple casualties and injuries resulting from the incident.
Over the last two days, the Lions and the Michigan Wolverines honored those affected. And Campbell made sure that was the first thing he talked about to open his press conference after the game.
#Lions HC Dan Campbell starts his press conference after his first win recognizing all the Oxford High victims. Says he's dedicating the game ball to the Oxford community and then he reads off the names of all the shooting victims. pic.twitter.com/1ZQQO0hAAJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 5, 2021
After the Wolverines won on Saturday, possible No.1 pick in the 2022 draft Aidan Hutchinson suggested to his team they dedicate the game to one of the victims, Tate Myre.
Jim Harbaugh says it was Aidan Hutchinson who suggested dedicating the game to Oxford shooting victim Tate Myre. Late in the game, the team looked at the scoreboard and realized they had 42 points. “God works in mysterious ways,” Hutchinson said.
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) December 5, 2021
After the Lions win, Goff also talked about the tragedy in his press conference.
QB @JaredGoff16 on playing for Oxford HS today pic.twitter.com/bozKkGYUuF
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 5, 2021
Goff choking back tears talking about Oxford, saying he’s hopeful they provided them with a few hours of joy amidst their pain.
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) December 5, 2021
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