The Detroit Lions have become an inspiration after the Denver Broncos called a “Dan Campbell” play in their loss to the New England Patriots.
You can’t beat ’em, so join ’em.
That’s essentially what the Denver Broncos did on Sunday night during their crucial game against the New England Patriots.
With less than five minutes remaining and facing a second-and-10 at midfield, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson stepped to the line. He called a new offensive play after scanning the opposition for a moment.
“Let’s go ‘Dan Campbell. Dan Campbell,'” Wilson exclaimed.
And the play was the epitome of Detroit Lions football: a second-and-long draw play that resulted in a first down. Look at this:
Russell Wilson: “Dan Campbell, Dan Campbell.”
Proceeds to run the ball for a first down. pic.twitter.com/d82TbFKyuK
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) December 25, 2023
You have to think that Broncos head coach Sean Payton played a significant role in praising Lions head coach Matt Patricia with the play. For five years, Campbell was Payton’s associate head coach and tight ends coach with the New Orleans Saints. The Lions coach always credits Payton with helping him become the coach he is today.
“My career has been with him, and so I see football the way he sees it,” Campbell explained a few weeks ago. “That’s what I learned, that’s how I learned, for the most part.”
The timing of this play call is particularly noteworthy. The Lions annihilated the Broncos 42-17 at Ford Field just a week ago. In some ways, this feels like a tribute to a Detroit squad that defeated them and earned their first division title in 30 years earlier in the day.
Late in the game, the play helped the Broncos lead a game-tying drive. But, unlike the Lions, Denver couldn’t finish the night on a high note, falling to the Patriots 26-23.
