The Lions have developed under coach Dan Campbell the well-earned reputation of going for it on fourth down. When it works, it works. When it doesn’t, it absolutely doesn’t.

The most notable failure came in the 2023 NFC Championship. Up 14 with 7:03 to play in the third quarter, the Lions faced fourth and two from the 49ers’ 28. A 46-yard field goal, if good, would have restored with 22 minutes to play the three-score lead the Lions held at halftime. Campbell and the Lions opted to go for it.

Yes, receiver Josh Reynolds dropped the pass from quarterback Jared Goff. But that’s one of the risks taken when rolling the dice on fourth down, one of the basic realities of not having it together on a gotta-have-it play.

The moment woke up the 49ers, who scored a touchdown only five plays later.

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