When taking a chance fails- its a dumb decision.
When it succeeds- its genius.

Some coaches overuse "analytics". Forget that coaching is about taking calculated risks in the moments that its required. Brandon Staley, formerly of the chargers. Was the worst weve ever witnessed. The guy just never had a feel for the moment. I guess its best called "instinct". Staley had none. It cost the chargers many games in his tenure- and he was correctly fired.

"Cappy" Campbell isnt quite in staley territory. But its close. I think what separates them is that Cappy has a better feel for his roster. Whereas Staley seemed to just stare at the math.

I tell ya, Id rather Have Campbell & his bag of calculated risk. Than say- Denny Green or Brad Childress who seemed to always have the punt team on speed dial.

The calculated risk has never been more popular. More acceptable than it is now. For years- we fans screamed for it from the safety if our couches. We never had to own the failures. Never had to explain the decision to the media.

All that said? If the vikings are up by one point today. Have possession with 2 or 3 minutes left. I dont care where they are on the field. KOC needs to channel his inner cappy campbell and play 4 down football. Either score a td & add the 2 pointer. Or grind the clock down to zeroes.

As Kenny Rodgers famously sang- ya gotta know when to hold up, fold up. From this game onwards. Folding is no longer an option. There are worse decisions than giving the opponent a short field.
Time of possession and maximizing the efficiency of every possession- in the playoffs. Wins more games than not.

Just ask Denny Green Ghost how being THE pvnt-fvcker worked out on his legacy/resume.
Is denny remembered for 3 deep and a 15-1 season?
Multiple nfc chip appearances?
Nope.
Denny is remembered for 43-0 vs the Giants and a dirty bird meltdown.

Coach to TAKE the win. Coach to DICTATE the game flow. Steal a couple extra possessions via turnovers, fake punt, fg fake for 6 points. Do so wisely. The film study either did or didnt reveal special teams opportunity, or maybe a certain route that can be baited & jumped.
Those calculated risks need to show up on tape during the weeks game planning. Where, when & who to target to increase success%.

If it isnt available on tape? If it cant be found through scheme? Then you become Brandon Staley- staring at a jumbotron with the look of the lost tatooed across your face as the clock ticks down to defeat.

With all the backups & injuries playing for Detroit. Id think the opportunities are there.

Playoff football. It belongs to the Don Shilas that put 40hours of study into a 24 hour day. To identify the player to exploit. The unique adjustment to scheme that carries the day.

I think that becomes Campbells exploitable weakness. Knowing the spots to attack his aggression vs guard the aggressive spots. The talent is even enough that Campbell can be had- if KOC has prepared for the moment.
Campbell plays checkers. You know whats coming.
Up to this point- so has KOC.

Its time to play chess!