Dan Campbell reflects on crucial timeout decision in Lions’ defeat to Giants
Late in the second quarter of the Detroit Lions’ matchup against the New York Giants, a pivotal moment unfolded. Quarterback Jared Goff connected with wide receiver Kalif Raymond for a substantial 30-yard gain. Rather than calling a timeout to maximize the remaining seconds, head coach Dan Campbell opted to keep the timeout in his pocket. In a split-second decision, Goff spiked the ball, leaving just eight seconds on the clock.
During his weekly radio appearance on 97.1 Ticket, Campbell faced questions about his decision not to immediately call a timeout, especially with the Lions trailing 20-14 and poised to receive the football at the start of the second half.
Campbell’s analysis of the moment
“I should have used it there,” Campbell admitted. He explained his thought process: “We had one more timeout. So, you can still take a shot at an inbounds play, use the timeout, and then, if you like your position, throw it in the end zone or kick the field goal. But if not, you use the timeout and still face the same dilemma with the clock.”
He acknowledged the potential benefits of calling a timeout earlier: “If you just want to take three shots to the end zone, I’m with you. Is that something where I probably should have done it? Probably could have done it. But in the moment, I thought, ‘Let’s just go ahead and clock it.’ We still had one timeout, and you don’t want to play for disaster, either. If something happens, at least you still have it in your pocket, right?”
Navigating the dual role of head coach and play-caller
The decision to have Campbell take on play-calling duties has sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike regarding how he balances this added responsibility with his role as head coach. Recognizing the adjustment period, Campbell noted that it had been several years since he called plays in a live game setting. Each week presents an opportunity for growth.
While many have commented on Campbell’s aggressive play-calling style, there is a noticeable caution during crucial end-of-half situations. The critical nature of timeouts, which do not carry over into the second half, makes their management essential for maximizing scoring opportunities.
“I think the more I’m back in it and doing both, the better I’ll get,” Campbell stated. He expressed his commitment to continuous improvement: “I think we all want to do things better than we did the week before. You want your show to be better next week than it is this week, right?”
As the Lions aim to refine their strategies and decision-making, Campbell’s insights into his choices illustrate the challenges and complexities of coaching at the highest level.
