This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Have feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey! Now, here’s Charles Curtis.
Despite the fact that Jared Goff nearly ruined Dan Campbell’s risky fourth-down play call by stumbling, the Detroit Lions successfully converted a run from the Green Bay Packers’ 21-yard line to set up the game-winning field goal.
According to 4th Down Decision Bot on X (formerly Twitter), it was a “STRONG” call, not a guarantee. But ask yourself: when is the last time you saw a team in this century go for it on fourth down in the final minute of a tied game and they were inside the 30-yard line?
Check out this stat for the wild answer:
Lions were first team since at least 2000 to go for it on 4th down from inside the opponent's 30 with the score tied in the final minute of regulation
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) December 6, 2024
Yup. That was UNHEARD of! But this is what makes Dan Campbell such a great coach — he takes risks and backs his players up in the process, instilling them with confidence. Is it the right call? Maybe not! Does he have faith that if it is wrong, his defense will pick the team up? Definitely!
Pretty amazing stuff. The Lions are off to the playoffs and a first-round bye is well within their reach.
Bill Belichick … college coach?
Weirdly, I wasn’t as surprised as others about Bill Belichick reportedly interviewing for the North Carolina head coaching job.
Coaching is in that man’s blood. He can’t stop, won’t stop. The NFL options that he could face aren’t exactly the most attractive, and he’s been there, done that. What if it’s more fun having full control over a program, with NIL money to spend and the ability to teach football to those eager to learn it?
MORE: 5 Bill Belichick college football spots, including Ohio State
Somehow, I get it. I personally would sit back and enjoy life after all those Patriots rings, but I’m far from Bill Belichick.
Quick hits: Flau’jae Johnson and Unrivaled … Some big-name NFL head coach candidates … and more.
— Robert Zeglinski has nine names who could be head coaching candidates in the NFL soon.
— Here’s what Flau’jae Johnson’s Unrivaled NIL deal means for her WNBA future, from our Meg Hall.
— Matt LaFleur got into a heated altercation with a Lions fan. Whew.
— Kobe thought he could have been a Knick?! WILD.