We all know someone like Dan Campbell.
And if you don’t know anyone like Campbell – *ahem* – you’re probably the person in your friend group who best exemplifies the crazy coach of the Detroit Lions.
Crazy, by the way, is a term of endearment. I admire the Campbells of the world for constantly saying “(bleep)” and taking big risks rather than playing it safe.
Most of us are not wired that way. Most of us just color inside the lines, go about our daily lives, and keep our heads down without attracting too much attention from outsiders.
We have spouses, children, and pets. I have a bill. We have a boss. We have many reasons to avoid taking big risks.
But the problem for risk takers is this: They could lose everything… You might win big.
Campbell likes living on the edge.
Go big or go home. No risk, no biscuits. If you don’t have it, chicken.
This is how Campbell operates. Look no further than Thursday’s primetime game, in which the Lions won 34-31 over the Green Bay Packers.
exhibition 1
The third quarter is late. The Lions lead 24-21 and face 4th-and-1 from their own 31-yard line.
The angel on your shoulder says: There’s a punter on your payroll. He is a special and important person. He probably donates to charity and respects his elders. Now is his time to shine. Give him a 50+ yard boot and force the Packers to have a long field.
The devil on your shoulder says: Forget the punter. What is so special about punters? Go for it. It’s 1 yard. 1 yard. You can do it.
Campbell listened to the devil. It didn’t work. The Lions failed to convert and the Packers’ offense was willing to take advantage of the short field, giving Green Bay a 28-24 lead after four plays. oh.
exhibition 2
The final minutes of the fourth quarter are approaching.
The score is tied at 31 points. Detroit marched to the Packers’ 20-yard line but was down on fourth down by three and three inches.
There are now 43 seconds left and 4 inches left.
This would be a 37-yard, possibly 38-yard field goal to give the Lions the lead.
Angel: Hello, coach. Remember what I told you about that special punter? They also have a very special field goal kicker on the roster. He has a great story. Let’s make it bigger by letting him kick first here. It’s a holiday! Also, let’s be realistic: if you go for it and mess up here, you’re literally giving up your chance at taking the lead.
Devil: It’s boring. You’ve got to go for it, buddy. Scared money doesn’t make money! Put down the first one and bleed this clock to turn the packer into melted cheese. Make Jordan Love watch from the sideline and don’t get the ball back. Go for it! do. lol
Of course Campbell did it.
It worked this time. The Lions converted on fourth down to keep the clock ticking, and shortly afterwards Jake Bates hit the game-winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.
Big risks led to big rewards as the Lions improved to 12-1.
Where is the line between aggressive and reckless?
This is where Campbell lives.
Will a coach’s risk-taking ultimately help or hurt the team in a close playoff run?
No one can say for sure. That’s what makes this whole thing so fun.
So I tell you to keep taking your chances, coach. Continue throwing all your chips into the center of the table. Keep listening to the devil on your shoulder.
Most of us can live vicariously through you. Because we don’t rock the boat. We don’t even have a boat.
But then we would have had life jackets.
