If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Detroit Lions this season, you know they’ve become one of the NFL’s most talked-about teams.

Under Dan Campbell, the Lions have embraced a fearless, go-for-it style of football, bold, aggressive, and thrilling to watch. But sometimes, that same daring approach can backfire, and their recent Thanksgiving clash with the Green Bay Packers made that painfully clear, after losing 24-31 in a game that could have been huge for their playoff hopes. As a result, a Dallas Cowboys legend was just as confused as the fans!

Dez Bryant Reacts to Detroit’s Trouble on Fourth Down

Former NFL star Dez Bryant, best known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys, weighed in. "Some of the decisions Detroit Lions makes as a football team need to be studied because a lot of that s*** doesn't make sense.."

His comments came after three straight weeks of Detroit failing to convert a single fourth down, as ESPN revealed. Dan Campbell explained, "Those first two series that we had, we've got to find a way to convert on third [down] and then the fourth downs. So you're talking about two or three plays, ultimately, against a good team, in that moment that made the difference."

But it’s not only the fourth-down woes. The Lions’ offense isn’t firing on all cylinders like it used to. In 2024, they were unstoppable, leading the league with 33.2 points per game. This season, that number has dropped to 29.2 points. Still solid, but not the powerhouse fans have grown used to.

More importantly, their pass rush hasn't been great. Last night, Jordan Love always seemed to have a few extra seconds when picking out his targets. And it showed when he racked up 4 touchdowns!

There is a bright spot, though. All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, who retired in June, has decided to return and is expected to play in Week 14. His presence could help stabilize the offensive line and give the Lions a better shot at converting those all-important fourth-down plays in the final stretch of the season.

Campbell has belief in his team. "We've got a lot to be thankful for even after a loss.' And look, we've dug ourselves a little bit of a hole, that's the bottom line. We are in a little bit of a hole, but that's just what it is. There's nothing more than that."

Dan Campbell’s aggressive approach is what turned the Lions from one of the NFL’s worst teams into serious contenders. But right now, consistency is missing. Fans, analysts, and even former stars like Dez Bryant are all asking the same question. Can Campbell’s bold playcalling carry Detroit into the playoffs, or will it keep holding them back?

Written by

Mohd Mudabbir Ansari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar