FOXBORO, Mass. — Minutes into Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots stopped Jared Goff just short of the first-down marker on a third-and-5 scramble. Lions head coach Dan Campbell opted for an aggressive approach, keeping Detroit’s offense on the field on fourth-and-inches.
The ball was at the Lions’ 45-yard line. Going for it in that scenario — especially on the opening drive of the game — was a bold move.
Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux had a different word for it: insulting.
“Very insulting,” to be precise.
Godchaux viewed Campbell’s approach as a slight toward New England’s defensive front, which had struggled to defend the run in previous losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers.