Dan Campbell often looks for the unusual in his decisions. Here, it’s the mix of risk and safety that makes it work. Comment.

Dan Campbell has achieved great things.

And we’re not even talking about the sporting turnaround that the Detroit Lions have achieved in their third season under his direction. Even if it is truly impressive: in 2021, the team had no chance in the first year of the turnaround with a 3-13 record, and also got off to a subterranean start in 2022 with a 1-6 record.

But then the team took off and only just missed out on the playoffs. With an 11-5 record this year, postseason participation is already a foregone conclusion, as is the NFC North title for the first time since 1993.

Almost more importantly, however, the former gray mouse of the NFL now has an identity, a new mentality with which it not only inspires all of Detroit.

The Lions are go-getters, they are fearless, determined and self-confident, ready for any kind of playful outrage.

Dan Campbell: Often an inventive game changer

Thanks to Campbell, who embodies, exemplifies and exemplifies these attributes as Head Coach – but increasingly overshoots the mark. And unfortunately also repeatedly in important game situations.

No question: viewers don’t want to see a bland game manager in American football, but an imaginative game changer. A game changer who seeks out risk, plays with it and smashes the opponent in the face with surprising big plays. Whether it’s fake punts, trick plays or regularly going for it on fourth down – crazy ideas and unusual approaches characterize the Campbell era in Detroit.

This is how he made a name for himself and coached his way into people’s hearts.

It often worked brilliantly, perhaps also because the Lions had nothing to lose for a long time anyway. And if things didn’t work out, it almost didn’t matter anyway, given the upheaval and the lack of sporting significance.

But this season is different.

The Lions, led by German wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, are having a strong year, and if a few adjustments were made, they could make a deep playoff run.

Detroit Lions have something to lose

Or, to put it another way, they have something to lose for the first time in years.

For success, however, it is imperative that Campbell scrutinizes himself and urgently needs to find a healthy mix of risk and safety in his decision-making. Because it is noticeable that he has a tendency to overdo it in big games. And not only does he increase the risk on the court, but also the danger of throwing away success.

Like on Thanksgiving against the Green Bay Packers. Midway through the third quarter, with the score 14:23 from the Lions’ perspective, he attempted a fake punt at his own 23-yard line and four yards out, which went completely awry. A short time later, a Packers touchdown made the difference. You can safely describe the action as crazy

On Saturday at the Dallas Cowboys, Campbell naturally went for the two-point conversion after a Lions touchdown with 19:20 to go.

Campbell style. And yes, anything else would have been a disappointment.

Staying true to yourself for the most part is the mark of a great coach, but only in conjunction with self-reflection and the ability to adapt and evolve. The Cowboys’ wild final phase is a perfect example and a wake-up call in equal measure. It’s not even about the controversial call by the referees

Detroit Lions: “Do or Die” in the playoffs

Because instead of sending the kicker onto the field to equalize after the second botched attempt and the replay served up on a golden platter, he almost defiantly stuck to his original plan, which promptly went wrong for the third time.

The playoffs are set, yes, but it’s still about the starting position. The top seed, a bye week and home games until the Super Bowl are no longer possible due to the defeat, but second place is still possible. But it’s also about general risk management and the approach to the postseason.

The message is clear: the mixture of all-in and safety must be a healthy one. Because the playoffs are no longer a gimmick, the motto is “do or die”. This would have been the end for the Lions, because the line between hero and zero in the NFL in January is a thin one.

But the opportunity to achieve even greater things is not bad at all