The frequently utilized field goal unit of the Detroit Lions opens the postseason with a big win.
Allen Park—According to ESPN Stats & Info, Dan Campbell converted 34 percent of his fourth down attempts during the previous regular season, which was the highest percentage of any team in the twenty-first century.
Particularly when attempting from a distance, that doesn’t create many opportunities for field goals. It’s also been an exciting journey at kicker since the Detroit Lions let Matt Prater walk a few years ago.
But the team’s 24-23 wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Rams last weekend featured a strong performance from that frequently used field-goal unit.
In addition to being the longest kick of the season for any Lions kicker, it was also the furthest in special teams coordinator Dave Fipp’s three-year Detroit tenure.
“In my opinion, there are multiple factors involved, encompassing more than just the kicker’s skill or our inclination to attempt long-range kicks,” Fipp explained.
The football team’s best interests are truly being served, and I don’t think that will change. This has always been the case.
