The Lions wish they could replay the most important game of their Super Bowl-era history, though a specific part of it stands out as a true moment with redo possibilities.

When Dan Campbell was introduced as Detroit Lions head coach in January 2021, he faced backlash for using a biting knee caps metaphor. But that bold quote, in full context, aimed to establish a mindset. These wouldn’t be the “Same Old Lions,” and his aggressive approach would guide them forward.

Fittingly, in 2021, the Lions broke the NFL’s single-season record with 41 fourth-down attempts. That total fell to 37 in 2022 and climbed again to 40 in 2023. Last year, they tried 33 fourth downs, ranking third in the league.

With 151 fourth-down tries under Campbell across four seasons, Detroit leads the league over that span. Larry Lage of the Associated Press noted it’s also the most in any four-year stretch since at least 1991.

As Campbell refined when to take those risks, the Lions’ fourth-down success rate has risen. Data consistently supports the aggressive approach. Though criticism will persist, Campbell has remained committed to his philosophy.

The perfect example of Campbell’s fourth-down mindset—and the downside when it fails—was the 2023 NFC Championship Game’s second half against the 49ers.

Analytics didn’t oppose the two failed fourth-down tries in that game’s second half. If Josh Reynolds had caught even one of those passes, Detroit might have reached the Super Bowl. A dependable kicker outdoors might’ve also shifted Campbell’s decisions.

Had either fourth-down play gone differently, the Lions might view that as the ultimate do-over. Yet, Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports pointed to an earlier moment in the same game as the true regret.

DeArdo cited an incomplete pass, then a one-yard Gibbs run and a three-yard catch. The Lions called timeouts between plays and used a 21-yard Badgley field goal to go up 24-7 at halftime. From there, the 49ers rattled off 27 straight points, winning 34-31.

Holding a 21-point halftime lead could have paved the way for Detroit’s first Super Bowl trip. That safe approach just before halftime wasn’t Campbell’s norm, and it seemed to kill their momentum. He surely took note never to stray from the identity he’s built.