Lions’ Campbell says he regrets decision to kick field goal in 4th quarter vs. Vikings

The Detroit Lions had a 10-point lead the fourth quarter against the Vikings on Sunday, and a few questionable coaching decisions put them in a position to squander it -- which they did.

The Lions held multiple double-digital leads vs. Minnesota on Sunday, and both times, the Vikings came back. The second time, they took the lead, with a last-minute go ahead touchdown.

Prior to the final touchdown, the Lions had a fourth and four from the Vikings 36-yard line. A first down would have ended the game. The Lions had gone for it on fourth down several times during the game.

Instead, the Lions decided to kick a field goal, which would have boosted the lead from three to six. Lions kicker Austin Seibert had already missed a 46-yard field goal in the first quarter. This one was from 56 yards out.

Seibert missed it. It have the Vikings great field position, with more than a minute to play. The Vikings would score a touchdown in three plays, taking the lead and the win.

After the game, Lions coach Dan Campbell said he regrets the call to kick the field goal.

“I fricken regret my decision there in the end,” Campbell said. “I should have gone for it on fourth down, and I told the team I should’ve gone for it.”

“I regret that decision 100 percent,” Campbell added. “I hate it, and I do feel like I cost our team. I really do, man.”

Campbell hasn’t won a road game since taking over as head coach of the Lions last season. They will return home to take on Seattle next Sunday.