The Detroit Lions pulled off an incredible comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, securing a 34-31 win and clinching a playoff spot for the second consecutive season. Coach Dan Campbell’s bold decision to go for it on fourth-and-inches from the Packers’ 21-yard line with 43 seconds left proved decisive, as running back David Montgomery converted for 7 yards.
The conversion set up a walk-off field goal by Jake Bates, who nailed a 35-yard kick as time expired to give the Lions the win. With the victory, the Lions have secured a 12-win season for the third time in franchise history and will push for the conference’s No. 1 seed in the highly competitive NFC North.
Campbell praised his team’s performance, saying “I trusted that O-Line and I trusted David” and “we did.” Bates, who has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November, remained calm after the win, citing his team’s focus on staying level-headed despite the excitement. The Lions’ 11-game winning streak is their franchise record, with four fourth-down conversions in the game, including one inside the opponent’s 25-yard line with the score tied.
The team’s confidence was evident, with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown saying “If he says go for it, we’re all-in.” Campbell acknowledged the strength of the NFC North division, calling it the best in football and emphasizing the need to do whatever it takes to win.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42808088/lions-all-campbell-gamble-walk-win-vs-packers