The Lions are having a dream run this season. Breaking franchise records like it’s nobody’s business. Dan Campbell’s team has now clinched a playoff berth. However, NFL insider Ben Maller has surfaced a take that is pretty ‘hot to handle’.

NFL insider Ben Maller labeled Campbell’s approach both bold and borderline reckless, saying, “Live by the analytics, die by the analytics.” Calling Campbell a “meathead,” Maller dissected Dan’s hybrid approach. Which is essentially a mix of old-school grit and modern analytics. “I just imagine in his headphones, there’s some nerd in the press box [saying] ‘Dan, go for it’,” Maller explained. Now, Campbell’s decisions have sparked debate. Especially an audacious fourth down call with 43 seconds left in the Lions’ win over the Packers.

Campbell trusted his offense to seal the game rather than punt and rely on his defense. Maller pointed out the glaring issue: “That is a vote of no confidence for the Lions’ defense.” David Montgomery rewarded that faith with a 7-yard run on fourth-and-inches. The conversion set up Jake Bates’s game-winning 35-yard field goal, securing Detroit’s second consecutive playoff berth. But Maller wasn’t convinced.

“In the playoffs, that’s the kind of thing that haunts you,” Maller warned. Pointing to a failed fourth-down attempt earlier that gave the Packers an easy touchdown. But Campbell’s decision to go for it with 43 seconds left wasn’t just gutsy; it was calculated. Dan stayed true to Maller’s allegations in that. The Lions converted 4 fourth-down attempts, a franchise-high in the past 40 years. This also was a franchise record 11th straight win, with back-to-back 12-win seasons for the first time ever.

While Campbell’s riverboat antics are winning games now, critics wonder if his high-risk approach can survive the intensity of playoff football. Transitioning from bold calls to steady execution may be key for Detroit.

Goff’s renaissance: From Rams’ castoff to Lions’ leader

Jared Goff’s story adds another layer to Detroit’s rise. Once dismissed as a liability after his Rams days, Goff has redefined himself in the Motor City. When the Rams traded him in 2021, critics called him “damaged goods.” Goff admitted, “Everyone externally just assumed that I suck.” The star QB said to The Athletic’s Michael Silver, “People thought, He’s done… His story is over. His career will end in this way. This will be the end of the road.” Yet, under Campbell’s guidance, Goff has flourished.

However, Maller didn’t hold back. While acknowledging Goff’s charm, calling him

“Mr. Smooth in M-Town,” Maller didn’t shy away from passing criticism along the way. He warned fans to “tread lightly,” citing Goff’s history of “p$$ping his pants” many times in big games. Even Goff’s rare interceptions earned scrutiny as Maller remarked, “When he does, they’re humdingers.” However, 2024 has been Goff’s year.

Goff boasts a 72.4% completion rate this year, with 3,265 yards. Further complemented by 25 touchdowns over 13 games. And a career-high 109.1 passer rating. Compare that to his final Rams season in 2020: 67% accuracy, 20 touchdowns, and a passer rating of just 90. A stark difference indeed. Goff credits Campbell for standing by him through Detroit’s struggles, saying, “Dan could have turned his back on me. He was the head coach on a team that was 0-10-1… Could’ve done it in the middle of that first season; could’ve done it the next year when we were 1-6 to start. And he never did. And I’m thankful for that.”

On the other hand, the sharpest jab came with Maller labeling Goff’s play as having “faulty software” with a “Trojan horse glitch” that could “break your heart.” Yet, the Lions’ faith in him paid off, evident in their back-to-back playoff appearances (a first since 93-95) and Goff’s $212 million extension. The numbers speak louder than Maller’s doubts: Detroit is 12-1, clinching their second playoff berth under Goff, and Goff has emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room.

As Detroit’s fairy tale ride continues, challenges lie ahead. Campbell’s analytics-driven gambles and Goff’s consistency will define how far they can go. For now, they’re riding high. Proving doubters wrong, one gutsy play at a time.