Coaching Tactic: Hit Him If He Doesn't Stay Out of Bounds

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell had a specific game plan for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. He advised his team to hit Williams if he didn't stay out of bounds. This strategy was discussed in a team meeting before the game. Amon-Ra St. Brown, a Lions wide receiver, shared details of the meeting on his podcast. Campbell showed clips of Williams' habit of running toward the sideline but then cutting back inside. He warned the refs and told his players to hit Williams if he tried this move. Jack Campbell, a Lions linebacker, followed these instructions and delivered a legal hit on Williams during the game. This play sparked reactions from both teams, with the Lions celebration and the Bears confusion about the lack of a penalty flag. The hit was deemed legal because Williams didn't stay out of bounds, and the Lions executed their coach’s plan effectively.