Amon-Ra St. Brown perfectly explains why Lions go for it on fourth down so much

In Dan Campbell's three completed seasons as head coach, the Detroit Lions have gone for it on fourth down 41, 37 and 40 times respectively. Those are three of the top-eight seasons for fourth down attempts in NFL history.

Campbell has hinted at toning down his aggressiveness, and he noted how he has gained what amounts to better situational awareness with experience. But we also know he's not going to change who is as a head coach, which means plenty of fourth down attempts are still going to be coming. It's just a matter of controlled aggression, with the stakes higher in bigger games with the Lions being a good team.

Campbell's fourth down aggressiveness boils down to one thing. He has belief in his players. If/when they don't come through, he'll accept the consequences.

On an episode of his podcast this summer, former NFL guard and FOX analyst Mark Schlereth was asked if he thought Campbell would dial back his aggressiveness after what happened in the NFC Championship game.

"No, I don’t,” Schlereth said. “I think that’s the way he wants to play. My guys knowing that the odds are we’re going for it on fourth down, takes the pressure off on third down...."

Amon-Ra St. Brown perfectly explains why Lions go for it on fourth down so often

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown spoke with ESPN's Mina Kimes recently. The reasons for the team's aggressiveness were discussed, and the "Sun God" perfectly explained it.

"We understand going into games that if it’s fourth and short and we’re in plus territory (opponent’s side of the field), we’re probably going to go for it,” St. Brown said. “That’s our identity. That’s all I’ve really known since I’ve been here.”

The Lions' core identity to "go for it" trickles down from Campbell, and there will always be critics when the process that leads to going for it on fourth down in a big spot doesn't yield the desired result. But St. Brown made it clear players know what to expect from their coach in those situations, which, while not surprising, is a key piece of the equation.