HOUSTON -- Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell called the play: a surprise onside kickoff.
Of course, it was a surprise. Because it went against conventional wisdom.
An onside kick with nearly 3 minutes to play? Even though the Lions had three time-outs? Even though they were down 7? Even though they still had the two-minute warning? Even though common sense said kick it deep?
Why? Because Caldwell had no faith in his defense to get a stop.
Caldwell gambled and outsmarted himself, putting the entire game on a surprise kick — and it exploded in his face.