Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Lions convert on incredibly gutsy fake-punt attempt

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 15, 2024 2:55 PM ET

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is at it again.

Campbell made a trademark gutsy call, dialing up a fake punt in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the Lions’ 20-yard line. Punter Jack Fox lobbed a pass for rookie Sione Vaki, and the Lions managed to pick up the first on fourth-and-12.

Jack Fox…moving the chains#TBvsDET | FOX pic.twitter.com/WblVd1oqil

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 15, 2024

The Lions were already trailing 13-6 at this point. Had the attempt failed, the Buccaneers would have had the ball deep in Detroit territory with a chance to go up by two touchdowns before halftime.

Campbell is famous for his remarkable willingness to take massive risks like this one. Sometimes they backfire and he has to own it, but this one worked out perfectly and furthered his risk-taking reputation.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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