The Lions’ coach Dan Campbell took some bold 4th down calls against the Packers during the week 14 matchup. In the end, they won the game 34-31. Packers QB Jordan Love was frustrated as 2 seconds were remaining in the game when the Lions won the game by Jake Bates’ field goal. It was an intense game.

In the post-game conference, Love opened up about the defense during those 4th down attempts and said, “Obviously, you would like to be able to see the defense get a stop right there. Get us the ball back, you know, be able to go put up points or even go to overtime.” That’s interesting. The Lions tested the defense.

Dan Campbell was aggressive in his game. It wasn’t like that he wanted to win, but he wanted to test his O-line to the limit. Even when they were 4th & 1 with 44 seconds left in the game, he chose to run forward with the ball. The Packers defense couldn’t hold their own. Like the fans, Jordan Love must have also felt bad when the Lions crushed their defense early in the game.

The Lions were about their purpose from the kickoff. In the 1st half, they were leading the game 17-7. Though the Packers’ offense made a strong comeback, equalizing the score by 31 each, the field goal by Lions’ kicker Jake Bates sealed the game in their favor. However, the Packers QB asked his team to stay strong and added, “When that adversity does happen and a negative play or something doesn’t go your way, you know how are you going to respond and bounce back.”

The Lions were happy with the win. They became the first NFC team to qualify for the playoffs. And their HC was all pumped up after the win.

Dan Campbell reveals his motivation after defeating Jordan Love & Co.

HC Dan Campbell was ecstatic after the win. During the post-game presser, he said, “I told the team this will be one of those you never forget, so in Goff, pregame, I said, man you played all these games you had this long career um you know and I’m sure there’s some he’s probably you don’t remember everything when you’ve played as long as he but I said you will never forget this one you will never forget this game.” It certainly was.

They will always remember how they qualified for the 2024 playoffs. And it’s not just about the playoffs. Their physical game has been unmatched this season. That’s not an easy feat to be 12-1 in week 14. Especially in a competitive division like NFC North, in which the Vikings also have 10 victories.

However, they are confident of going all the way. The fans too are celebrating. In the 2025 Pro Bowl ratings, the Lions got the most votes while Jared Goff came 6th in the quarterback ratings. It reflects their trust in their performance.