Dez Bryant didn’t hold back while watching Detroit’s offense struggle on Thanksgiving, calling out head coach Dan Campbell for an ill-timed gamble. The former Cowboys star gave his take as the Lions searched for a spark in their matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Bryant spent eight seasons in Dallas, earning three Pro Bowl nods. Campbell has coached the Lions since 2021, leading them to consecutive division titles in 2023 and 2024. The critique came on Thursday via Bryant’s X account as the Lions tried to rally at Ford Field.
“Some of the decisions Detroit Lions makes (sic) as a football team need to be studied because a lot of that sh*t doesn’t make sense,” Bryant wrote.
Bryant’s tweet came shortly after Campbell decided to go for it on fourth down, down 31-21 in the fourth quarter, instead of kicking a field goal. While running to his right, Goff had a wide-open Williams, who couldn’t make the catch that would’ve resulted in a first down.
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Dan Campbell’s offense faces added pressure after early injury setback
The misfire occurred at a time when Detroit could not afford another setback. They were missing Amon-Ra St. Brown, who exited in the first quarter after getting rolled up during a run play. The Lions were struggling to sustain drives without their reliable receiver.
His absence forced Jameson Williams into a bigger role as Goff’s top option. Detroit also played without tight ends Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright.
On the other sideline, Jordan Love kept the pressure on. The Packers quarterback carved up the Lions’ secondary with multiple touchdown throws, spreading the ball effectively and capitalizing on short fields to keep Detroit chasing.
The Lions got into the end zone with scoring runs from David Montgomery and rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa, while Jameson Williams provided an early spark with a touchdown of his own. But every Detroit answer was followed by an immediate counterpunch from Green Bay.
The Packers eventually beat the Lions 31-24. Detroit’s record is now 7-5. The Packers improved to 8-3-1 with the victory.