Among the rule changes the Detroit Lions proposed this year was in regard to challenges. The current rule says teams get a third challenge if they are successful on both of their allowed challenges. The Lions' proposal called for a third challenge to be awarded if a team is successful on either of those first two challenges. The Lions also proposed it last year, along with the emergency quarterback rule that was approved.
Among three new rules approved at the league meetings on Monday morning, including banning a version of hip drop tackle, the Lions' proposal for awarding a third challenge after one successful challenge was approved. As before, of course and as should remain, two unsuccessful challenges will mean a team is out of challenges for that game.
The #Lions’ proposal to add a third replay challenge after one successful challenge (as opposed to two previously) has been approved along with the banning of the hip-drop tackle. pic.twitter.com/neQ1phV63F
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 25, 2024
According to competition committee chair Rich McKay, the Lions' challenge proposal "barely" passed after an "interesting debate" and an "interesting vote." For a proposal to be approved, 24 of 32 teams have to vote for it.
Falcons CEO/Competition Committee Chair Rich McKay on the Lions’ proposed rule change:
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) March 25, 2024
“It was definitely an interesting debate, an interesting vote, and that rule passed. …Barely.”
Detroit Lions: What is Dan Campbell's record on challenges?
Last season, Lions head coach Dan Campbell challenged a play four times and all four were upheld (0-for-4). During the 2022 season he was 2-for-4 on challenges, and in 2021 he was 1-for-4.
So, because #math, Campbell is 3-for-12 on challenges over three seasons as Lions' head coach, and he's been one of the least successful coaches at challenging calls on the field. Add in his time as the Miami Dolphins' interim head coach in 2015, when he went 3-for-3, and he's 6-for-15 on challenges as a head coach.
Overall, opening up earning a third challenge after one successful challenge seems good for the NFL. What can be challenged, or should be able to be challenged, is a separate and ongoing conversation. As for how the new rule will impact the Lions specifically, with how relatively few calls they've challenged under Campbell and how unsuccessful they've been, that's to be determined at best.