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The Lions went for it on fourth down 33 times in 2024; what was the cumulative value of those decisions?
Justin Rogers
Jan 9
It didn’t take long into Dan Campbell’s tenure as the Detroit Lions head coach to understand his affinity for aggressive play-calling. In his first year on the job, the team went for it on fourth down a then-NFL record 41 times.
Of course, the strategy could then be viewed as a necessity. That was most apparent in a midseason matchup against the eventual Super Bowl champion Rams, when the overmatched Lions pulled out all the stops with a surprise onside kick and two fake punts.
But as the Lions morphed into legitimate contention, Campbell has remained aggressive. They’ll still fake a punt on occasion, and they’ve been top four in fourth-down tries each year, including 33 in 2024.
But what is the cumulative value of Detroit’s fourth-down aggression? Spurred by a question in the Detroit Football Network chat, I attempted to find out.
It's difficult to quantify the confidence it breeds throughout the roster or the mental strain it puts on an opponent. But we can establish a base-level understanding of points gained or lost through the 33 tries and 22 conversions in 2024.
After combing the team’s 17 box scores to highlight each fourth-down attempt, we can assign a simple point value. For successful conversions outside field-goal range that led to points, it's a net gain of three or seven, depending on if the team netted a field goal or touchdown later in the series.
For a successful try within field-goal range, the net gain is zero if they settled for a field goal later in the drive or four points if they punched it into the end zone.
And on the tries where they failed, particularly when it granted the opposition a short field, did it result in an ensuing score and a net negative?
Feel free to skip the play-by-play breakdown and jump to concluding thoughts at the end of the post.
Week 1 vs. Rams
1-for-1
● Down 3-0 early in the second quarter, the Lions went for fourth-and-2 from the opponent's 27-yard line, converting with a 3-yard David Montgomery run. The team would eventually work inside the 10 before settling for a short Jake Bates field goal. Net points: 0
Week 2 vs. Buccaneers
3-for-5
● Down seven with 8:11 remaining in the second quarter, the Lions lined up to punt while facing a fourth-and-10 at their 20-yard line. Instead, they ran a fake as punter Jack Fox connected with running back Sione Vaki for a 17-yard gain and conversion.
Later in the drive, the Lions would go for it on fourth down a second time with David Montgomery gaining 3 yards on the fourth-and-2 try near midfield. The efforts were for naught as the offense didn’t gain another yard, resulting in a Fox punt. Net points: 0
● Needing to go for it out of necessity, down four with under two minutes remaining, the Lions converted a fourth-and-1 from Tampa’s 36-yard line with a 23-yard Jahmyr Gibbs run. But four plays later, needing 8 yards from the 11, Gibbs was stopped 3 yards short of the marker on a pass from Jared Goff, resulting in a turnover on downs. Net points: -3
● The Lions got the ball back with 33 seconds remaining and worked to Tampa’s 26-yard line. But after a spike and two incompletions, they faced fourth-and-10 with six ticks on the clock. Looking for a hook-and-ladder, Goff skipped the initial throw to Tom Kennedy, ending the comeback attempt. Net points: -3
Week 3 at Cardinals
0-for-1
● Holding a 10-point advantage late in the third quarter, Detroit went for the throat instead of attempting a long field goal. But on the fourth-and-1 from the Arizona 34-yard line, Montgomery was stuffed for no gain.
Despite having the range, it’s worth noting Bates hadn’t attempted a field goal longer than 35 yards at this stage of the season. Regardless, taking over on downs, the Cardinals couldn’t capitalize, going three-and-out. Net points: -3
Week 4 vs. Seahawks
0-for-0
● The Lions only had one compelling opportunity to go for it in the contest, passing up a try at fourth-and-3 while up eight early in the fourth quarter after Montgomery was stuffed for a loss of 2 yards on the previous snap.
Week 5 — Bye
Week 6 at Cowboys
1-for-2
● Still in the early stages of the blowout, the Lions opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Dallas 25-yard line with 6:45 remaining in the second quarter despite already holding a 14-point edge. Gibbs converted the try with a 2-yard run, but Goff would be sacked three snaps later, resulting in a longer field goal try. Bates still managed to connect from 48 yards out. Net points: 0
● Late in the fourth quarter, with the game well in hand, backup quarterback Hendon Hooker was sacked on a fourth-and-3 try in field-goal range. Any damage was mitigated when the Cowboys fumbled it back to the Lions on the ensuing possession. Net points: -3
Week 7 at Vikings
0-for-1
● The Lions dug themselves an early hole against their then-undefeated division foe, faking a punt with a direct snap to Jalen Reeves-Maybin on the game’s opening possession. That effort was snuffed out, and the Vikings translated the turnover on downs into a quick touchdown. Net points: -7
Week 8 vs. Titans
0-for-0
● Detroit punted on fourth-and-5 from their 35-yard line on the game’s opening possession before going on to blowout the Titans, 52-14.
Week 9 at Packers
2-for-2
● After drawing an encroachment flag on fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard line with the opening play of the second quarter, Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 3-yard touchdown. Net points: +4
● Early in the third frame of the rainy, late afternoon matchup, Detroit chose to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Green Bay 15 instead of pushing their lead to 17 points with a short Bates field goal. The bet paid off with a 15-yard scoring run for Gibbs. Net points: +4
Week 10 at Texans
0-for-0
● The Lions didn’t have many logical opportunities to go for it on fourth down, but it’s a little surprising they didn’t try late in the third quarter. Down 10, with a fourth-and-5 at midfield, the team opted to punt after Montgomery gained just 2 yards on the ground the previous snap.
Week 11 vs. Jaguars
3-for-3
● Up four early in the second quarter, the Lions converted a fourth-and-1 from their 46-yard line with a quarterback sneak. Four snaps later, Gibbs was in the end zone. Net points: +7
● Now romping, up 29, the Lions kept the foot on the gas with a fourth-and-2 try from the Jacksonville 14-yard line with 5:05 remaining in the third quarter. Goff connected with receiver Tim Patrick for the 9-yard chain-mover, setting up a 5-yard scoring toss to tight end Brock Wright on the next snap. Net points: +4
● Coming out of the two-minute warning, Hooker, in for Goff, ran for 3 yards on a fourth-and-2 deep in Jacksonville territory, allowing the Lions to take a knee to end the game. Net points: -3
Week 12 at Colts
0-for-1
● Up 14-6, the Lions looked to make a statement with the first possession of the second half, going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Indianapolis 14-yard line. Instead, the handoff to Montgomery was stuffed for a loss, resulting in a turnover on downs. Net points: -3
Week 13 vs. Bears
1-for-1
● Holding a 13-0 lead late in the second quarter, the Lions initially skipped attempting a field goal from Chicago’s 32-yard line, leaving Montgomery to convert a fourth-and-1 with a 2-yard carry. But after failing to gain another yard with the fresh set of downs, Bates came on to knock home a 48-yard try. Net points: 0
Week 14 vs. Packers
4-for-5
● Much like the earlier meeting, the Lions skipped a field goal try for a shot at more points, going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line with 14 seconds remaining in the first half. The plan worked with a touchdown pass from Goff to Gibbs. Net points: +4
● After the Packers grabbed the lead with 14 quick points after halftime, the Lions needed to respond. Goff converted a fourth-and-1 near midfield with a sneak and later capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Patrick on fourth-and-goal. Net points: +7
● Forcing a punt on the Packers’ ensuing possession, the Lions looked to keep the pressure on with a fourth-and-1 try from their own 34, but Gibbs was stuffed on the handoff. With the premium field position after the turnover on downs, the Packers needed four plays to regain the lead. Net points: -7
● In one of the most thrilling moments of the season, the Lions went for it on fourth-and-1 despite being well within Bates’ range with less than a minute remaining. Goff stumbled taking the snap, but still got the ball to Montgomery for the converting handoff. That allowed the Lions to run the remaining clock before kicking the game-winner. Net points: 0
Week 15 vs. Bills
3-for-3
● Recognizing they were in for a track meet after the Bills scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, the Lions felt compelled to go for it on fourth-and-four from the Buffalo 46, netting a first down with a 21-yard completion to St. Brown. The drive would go on to finish in the end zone. Net points: +7
● The Lions wouldn’t go for it on fourth down again until the closing minutes of the contest, when they were desperately trying to rally. Goff converted a fourth-and-5 in his own territory with 1:35 remaining with a short throw to St. Brown. Then, on fourth-and-10 later in the drive, Goff hit St. Brown, who lateraled the ball to Gibbs for a 21-yard pick-up.
It took four more snaps, but the Lions got across the goal line, briefly keeping hope afloat before the Bills recovered the ensuing onside kick. Net points: +7
Week 16 at Bears
0-for-1
● Eschewing a short field goal while holding a 17-point lead to open the fourth quarter, Goff’s pass to St. Brown on the fourth-and-3 fell incomplete. Net points: -3
● It’s worth mentioning that the Lions managed to draw the Bears into the neutral zone on fourth-and-1 at the Chicago 25 in the second quarter. That drive eventually resulted in a touchdown.
Week 17 at 49ers
2-for-3
● Down eight late in the first half, and the defense struggling, the Lions went for fourth-and-3 from the San Francisco 8-yard line. The decision didn't pay off as Goff’s end-zone look to LaPorta was behind the intended target and broken up by a 49ers defender. Net points: -3
● With the 49ers’ lead down to four late in the final minute of the third quarter, the Lions converted fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line with a touchdown toss from Goff to St. Brown. Net points: +4
● The Lions managed to extend their narrow lead on the next possession after a 19-yard pass to LaPorta converted a fourth-and-3 and set up a 42-yard Bates field goal. Net points: +3
Week 18 vs. Vikings
2-for-4
● In a scoreless game late in the first quarter, the Lions thought better of attempting a 57-yard field goal and went for fourth-and-5 from the opposing 39-yard line. A 14-yard converting pass to Jameson Williams led directly into a 25-yard Gibbs touchdown run. Net points: +7
● The Lions were less fortunate when Goff’s play-action pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage on a fourth-and-1 try from Minnesota’s 42-yard line late in the second quarter. With the better-than-average starting field position, the Vikings translated the turnover on downs into a field goal. Net points: -3
● With 2:33 remaining in the third frame, and the Lions nursing a 10-9 lead, they went for it on fourth-and-2 from the 10-yard line. Goff found Gibbs out of the backfield for a scoring strike. Net points: +4
● With the result sealed, the Lions opted to run the ball with Craig Reynolds on fourth-and-6 from the Minnesota 28 with 33 seconds remaining instead of taking a pile-on field goal. Net points: -3
● Of note, the Lions netted a free first down with a neutral zone infraction against the Vikings on a fourth-and-2 early in the fourth quarter. Gibbs scored a touchdown on the next snap.
Concluding thoughts
● Let’s start with a raw number: 18.
That’s the points the Lions gained through their fourth-down tries this season. But that number should be distilled to remove end-of-game scenarios, where the situation dictates the decision.
Obviously, the Lions weren’t taking field goals on the two drives at the end of the Week 2 loss to Tampa Bay. Nor should the team be penalized for trying to run out the clock vs. Dallas, Jacksonville, or Minnesota in the finale.
On the flip side, there’s no bonus for going for it late against Buffalo, when the scoreboard demanded those attempts.
Added up and removed from the raw total, we can more appropriately state the Lions gained 26 points from their situation-neutral fourth-down decisions. That marks a 4.8% increase in the team’s record-breaking scoring total.
● At first glance, the Lions gained an additional three first downs via pre-snap penalties on fourth down, scoring a pair of touchdowns with those chain-resetting infractions.
They might have gone three-for-three had Gibbs not fumbled deep in the red zone in the closing minute of the first half against the Bears on Thanksgiving. Regardless, even the threat of going for it on fourth down, particularly fourth-and-short, can be a weapon for the Lions.
● Detroit was equally successful running and passing on fourth downs this season. On situational-neutral carries, excluding fake punts, they converted nine-of-12 tries. It also didn’t matter whether it was Montgomery or Gibbs taking the handoff.
With pass plays, the Lions converted 11-of-16, or 12-of-17 if we add in Fox’s toss to Vaki.
● The only regrettable call, although I’m sure the team would be quick to blame the execution, was the botched fake punt against Minnesota. Not only did the play fail, but it’s the only turnover on downs that resulted in the opponent scoring a touchdown after taking possession.
● Detroit’s fourth-down aggression played a significant role in both victories against the Packers and the team’s Week 17 road win over the 49ers. Fourth-down choices did not negatively impact the team in their two losses this season.
● The Lions often went for fourth down to break a trailing opponent in the second half, but couldn’t get the desired results against the Cardinals, Colts or the Bears.
Email: jrogers@detroitfootball.net
X: Justin_Rogers
Bluesky: Justin-Rogers
Justin Rogers
Jan 9
It didn’t take long into Dan Campbell’s tenure as the Detroit Lions head coach to understand his affinity for aggressive play-calling. In his first year on the job, the team went for it on fourth down a then-NFL record 41 times.
Of course, the strategy could then be viewed as a necessity. That was most apparent in a midseason matchup against the eventual Super Bowl champion Rams, when the overmatched Lions pulled out all the stops with a surprise onside kick and two fake punts.
But as the Lions morphed into legitimate contention, Campbell has remained aggressive. They’ll still fake a punt on occasion, and they’ve been top four in fourth-down tries each year, including 33 in 2024.
But what is the cumulative value of Detroit’s fourth-down aggression? Spurred by a question in the Detroit Football Network chat, I attempted to find out.
It's difficult to quantify the confidence it breeds throughout the roster or the mental strain it puts on an opponent. But we can establish a base-level understanding of points gained or lost through the 33 tries and 22 conversions in 2024.
After combing the team’s 17 box scores to highlight each fourth-down attempt, we can assign a simple point value. For successful conversions outside field-goal range that led to points, it's a net gain of three or seven, depending on if the team netted a field goal or touchdown later in the series.
For a successful try within field-goal range, the net gain is zero if they settled for a field goal later in the drive or four points if they punched it into the end zone.
And on the tries where they failed, particularly when it granted the opposition a short field, did it result in an ensuing score and a net negative?
Feel free to skip the play-by-play breakdown and jump to concluding thoughts at the end of the post.
Week 1 vs. Rams
1-for-1
● Down 3-0 early in the second quarter, the Lions went for fourth-and-2 from the opponent's 27-yard line, converting with a 3-yard David Montgomery run. The team would eventually work inside the 10 before settling for a short Jake Bates field goal. Net points: 0
Week 2 vs. Buccaneers
3-for-5
● Down seven with 8:11 remaining in the second quarter, the Lions lined up to punt while facing a fourth-and-10 at their 20-yard line. Instead, they ran a fake as punter Jack Fox connected with running back Sione Vaki for a 17-yard gain and conversion.
Later in the drive, the Lions would go for it on fourth down a second time with David Montgomery gaining 3 yards on the fourth-and-2 try near midfield. The efforts were for naught as the offense didn’t gain another yard, resulting in a Fox punt. Net points: 0
● Needing to go for it out of necessity, down four with under two minutes remaining, the Lions converted a fourth-and-1 from Tampa’s 36-yard line with a 23-yard Jahmyr Gibbs run. But four plays later, needing 8 yards from the 11, Gibbs was stopped 3 yards short of the marker on a pass from Jared Goff, resulting in a turnover on downs. Net points: -3
● The Lions got the ball back with 33 seconds remaining and worked to Tampa’s 26-yard line. But after a spike and two incompletions, they faced fourth-and-10 with six ticks on the clock. Looking for a hook-and-ladder, Goff skipped the initial throw to Tom Kennedy, ending the comeback attempt. Net points: -3
Week 3 at Cardinals
0-for-1
● Holding a 10-point advantage late in the third quarter, Detroit went for the throat instead of attempting a long field goal. But on the fourth-and-1 from the Arizona 34-yard line, Montgomery was stuffed for no gain.
Despite having the range, it’s worth noting Bates hadn’t attempted a field goal longer than 35 yards at this stage of the season. Regardless, taking over on downs, the Cardinals couldn’t capitalize, going three-and-out. Net points: -3
Week 4 vs. Seahawks
0-for-0
● The Lions only had one compelling opportunity to go for it in the contest, passing up a try at fourth-and-3 while up eight early in the fourth quarter after Montgomery was stuffed for a loss of 2 yards on the previous snap.
Week 5 — Bye
Week 6 at Cowboys
1-for-2
● Still in the early stages of the blowout, the Lions opted to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Dallas 25-yard line with 6:45 remaining in the second quarter despite already holding a 14-point edge. Gibbs converted the try with a 2-yard run, but Goff would be sacked three snaps later, resulting in a longer field goal try. Bates still managed to connect from 48 yards out. Net points: 0
● Late in the fourth quarter, with the game well in hand, backup quarterback Hendon Hooker was sacked on a fourth-and-3 try in field-goal range. Any damage was mitigated when the Cowboys fumbled it back to the Lions on the ensuing possession. Net points: -3
Week 7 at Vikings
0-for-1
● The Lions dug themselves an early hole against their then-undefeated division foe, faking a punt with a direct snap to Jalen Reeves-Maybin on the game’s opening possession. That effort was snuffed out, and the Vikings translated the turnover on downs into a quick touchdown. Net points: -7
Week 8 vs. Titans
0-for-0
● Detroit punted on fourth-and-5 from their 35-yard line on the game’s opening possession before going on to blowout the Titans, 52-14.
Week 9 at Packers
2-for-2
● After drawing an encroachment flag on fourth-and-goal from the 5-yard line with the opening play of the second quarter, Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 3-yard touchdown. Net points: +4
● Early in the third frame of the rainy, late afternoon matchup, Detroit chose to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Green Bay 15 instead of pushing their lead to 17 points with a short Bates field goal. The bet paid off with a 15-yard scoring run for Gibbs. Net points: +4
Week 10 at Texans
0-for-0
● The Lions didn’t have many logical opportunities to go for it on fourth down, but it’s a little surprising they didn’t try late in the third quarter. Down 10, with a fourth-and-5 at midfield, the team opted to punt after Montgomery gained just 2 yards on the ground the previous snap.
Week 11 vs. Jaguars
3-for-3
● Up four early in the second quarter, the Lions converted a fourth-and-1 from their 46-yard line with a quarterback sneak. Four snaps later, Gibbs was in the end zone. Net points: +7
● Now romping, up 29, the Lions kept the foot on the gas with a fourth-and-2 try from the Jacksonville 14-yard line with 5:05 remaining in the third quarter. Goff connected with receiver Tim Patrick for the 9-yard chain-mover, setting up a 5-yard scoring toss to tight end Brock Wright on the next snap. Net points: +4
● Coming out of the two-minute warning, Hooker, in for Goff, ran for 3 yards on a fourth-and-2 deep in Jacksonville territory, allowing the Lions to take a knee to end the game. Net points: -3
Week 12 at Colts
0-for-1
● Up 14-6, the Lions looked to make a statement with the first possession of the second half, going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Indianapolis 14-yard line. Instead, the handoff to Montgomery was stuffed for a loss, resulting in a turnover on downs. Net points: -3
Week 13 vs. Bears
1-for-1
● Holding a 13-0 lead late in the second quarter, the Lions initially skipped attempting a field goal from Chicago’s 32-yard line, leaving Montgomery to convert a fourth-and-1 with a 2-yard carry. But after failing to gain another yard with the fresh set of downs, Bates came on to knock home a 48-yard try. Net points: 0
Week 14 vs. Packers
4-for-5
● Much like the earlier meeting, the Lions skipped a field goal try for a shot at more points, going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line with 14 seconds remaining in the first half. The plan worked with a touchdown pass from Goff to Gibbs. Net points: +4
● After the Packers grabbed the lead with 14 quick points after halftime, the Lions needed to respond. Goff converted a fourth-and-1 near midfield with a sneak and later capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Patrick on fourth-and-goal. Net points: +7
● Forcing a punt on the Packers’ ensuing possession, the Lions looked to keep the pressure on with a fourth-and-1 try from their own 34, but Gibbs was stuffed on the handoff. With the premium field position after the turnover on downs, the Packers needed four plays to regain the lead. Net points: -7
● In one of the most thrilling moments of the season, the Lions went for it on fourth-and-1 despite being well within Bates’ range with less than a minute remaining. Goff stumbled taking the snap, but still got the ball to Montgomery for the converting handoff. That allowed the Lions to run the remaining clock before kicking the game-winner. Net points: 0
Week 15 vs. Bills
3-for-3
● Recognizing they were in for a track meet after the Bills scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, the Lions felt compelled to go for it on fourth-and-four from the Buffalo 46, netting a first down with a 21-yard completion to St. Brown. The drive would go on to finish in the end zone. Net points: +7
● The Lions wouldn’t go for it on fourth down again until the closing minutes of the contest, when they were desperately trying to rally. Goff converted a fourth-and-5 in his own territory with 1:35 remaining with a short throw to St. Brown. Then, on fourth-and-10 later in the drive, Goff hit St. Brown, who lateraled the ball to Gibbs for a 21-yard pick-up.
It took four more snaps, but the Lions got across the goal line, briefly keeping hope afloat before the Bills recovered the ensuing onside kick. Net points: +7
Week 16 at Bears
0-for-1
● Eschewing a short field goal while holding a 17-point lead to open the fourth quarter, Goff’s pass to St. Brown on the fourth-and-3 fell incomplete. Net points: -3
● It’s worth mentioning that the Lions managed to draw the Bears into the neutral zone on fourth-and-1 at the Chicago 25 in the second quarter. That drive eventually resulted in a touchdown.
Week 17 at 49ers
2-for-3
● Down eight late in the first half, and the defense struggling, the Lions went for fourth-and-3 from the San Francisco 8-yard line. The decision didn't pay off as Goff’s end-zone look to LaPorta was behind the intended target and broken up by a 49ers defender. Net points: -3
● With the 49ers’ lead down to four late in the final minute of the third quarter, the Lions converted fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line with a touchdown toss from Goff to St. Brown. Net points: +4
● The Lions managed to extend their narrow lead on the next possession after a 19-yard pass to LaPorta converted a fourth-and-3 and set up a 42-yard Bates field goal. Net points: +3
Week 18 vs. Vikings
2-for-4
● In a scoreless game late in the first quarter, the Lions thought better of attempting a 57-yard field goal and went for fourth-and-5 from the opposing 39-yard line. A 14-yard converting pass to Jameson Williams led directly into a 25-yard Gibbs touchdown run. Net points: +7
● The Lions were less fortunate when Goff’s play-action pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage on a fourth-and-1 try from Minnesota’s 42-yard line late in the second quarter. With the better-than-average starting field position, the Vikings translated the turnover on downs into a field goal. Net points: -3
● With 2:33 remaining in the third frame, and the Lions nursing a 10-9 lead, they went for it on fourth-and-2 from the 10-yard line. Goff found Gibbs out of the backfield for a scoring strike. Net points: +4
● With the result sealed, the Lions opted to run the ball with Craig Reynolds on fourth-and-6 from the Minnesota 28 with 33 seconds remaining instead of taking a pile-on field goal. Net points: -3
● Of note, the Lions netted a free first down with a neutral zone infraction against the Vikings on a fourth-and-2 early in the fourth quarter. Gibbs scored a touchdown on the next snap.
Concluding thoughts
● Let’s start with a raw number: 18.
That’s the points the Lions gained through their fourth-down tries this season. But that number should be distilled to remove end-of-game scenarios, where the situation dictates the decision.
Obviously, the Lions weren’t taking field goals on the two drives at the end of the Week 2 loss to Tampa Bay. Nor should the team be penalized for trying to run out the clock vs. Dallas, Jacksonville, or Minnesota in the finale.
On the flip side, there’s no bonus for going for it late against Buffalo, when the scoreboard demanded those attempts.
Added up and removed from the raw total, we can more appropriately state the Lions gained 26 points from their situation-neutral fourth-down decisions. That marks a 4.8% increase in the team’s record-breaking scoring total.
● At first glance, the Lions gained an additional three first downs via pre-snap penalties on fourth down, scoring a pair of touchdowns with those chain-resetting infractions.
They might have gone three-for-three had Gibbs not fumbled deep in the red zone in the closing minute of the first half against the Bears on Thanksgiving. Regardless, even the threat of going for it on fourth down, particularly fourth-and-short, can be a weapon for the Lions.
● Detroit was equally successful running and passing on fourth downs this season. On situational-neutral carries, excluding fake punts, they converted nine-of-12 tries. It also didn’t matter whether it was Montgomery or Gibbs taking the handoff.
With pass plays, the Lions converted 11-of-16, or 12-of-17 if we add in Fox’s toss to Vaki.
● The only regrettable call, although I’m sure the team would be quick to blame the execution, was the botched fake punt against Minnesota. Not only did the play fail, but it’s the only turnover on downs that resulted in the opponent scoring a touchdown after taking possession.
● Detroit’s fourth-down aggression played a significant role in both victories against the Packers and the team’s Week 17 road win over the 49ers. Fourth-down choices did not negatively impact the team in their two losses this season.
● The Lions often went for fourth down to break a trailing opponent in the second half, but couldn’t get the desired results against the Cardinals, Colts or the Bears.
Email: jrogers@detroitfootball.net
X: Justin_Rogers
Bluesky: Justin-Rogers
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