Nick Geddes
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It was déjà vu once again for the Lions and first year head coach Dan Campbell.
The story had played out multiple times throughout the season: compete hard till the end but come up just short. Whether it was Justin Tucker from an NFL record 66 yards in Week 3 or Cairo Santos breaking their hearts on Thanksgiving, the Lions just couldn’t win a game.
On Sunday against the Vikings, it looked destined to happen again. With 1:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, Detroit was clinging to a 23-21 lead. They had led the entire way but here was Minnesota with a chance to take the lead. A chance to send Ford Field into more misery.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins looked to have done just that when he hit receiver Justin Jefferson for a three-yard score. The ensuing two-point conversion attempt was no good, however, meaning Detroit, now down 27-23, could win it with a touchdown.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff, winless without Sean McVay, had his chance. His moment to deliver the first win of the Campbell era. Fitting for the Lions, it came down to one play — the last play of the game. With the clock striking 0.00, Goff found receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown open in the end zone for an 11-yard, game-winning score.
The first win for Goff without McVay. The first career touchdown for St. Brown. The first career win for Campbell as a head coach.
“We found a way to win the day when we had to do it,” an emotional Campbell said after the game.
It’s not often you see a team, 1-10-1, as invested in their head coach as the Lions seem to be. But that’s the culture Campbell has instilled in this group of men.
It was a win dedicated to the victims of the shooting at Oxford High School last Tuesday. In the aftermath of the win, Campbell made sure to honor those who lost their lives or were wounded in the shooting.
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I’ve seen all the Super Bowls and am 63. Probably another 20 – 25 years to go. Would love to the Lions in the big game at least once before it’s all over.
1 win
Whatever. I suppose if he wins next week he`ll go jerk himself off.
Going for it on fourth down in the opponent’s red zone with minutes left is a crying SHAME.Those were tears of relief at overcoming the dumbest coaching decision of all time.I despise cry babies.Coach Gruden is available.