Conflicting fourth-down strategies were the difference between the Lions and the Ravens

Monday night’s game included five important fourth-down decisions. The Lions handled all of theirs perfectly. The Ravens did not.

Three times, Detroit went for it on fourth down under situations that required coach Dan Campbell to show (as Troy Aikman said during the broadcast) “big onions.” Campbell did it on the opening drive of the night, facing fourth and three from the Baltimore 11, on the first play of the fourth quarter, facing fourth and one from the Baltimore four, and at the two-minute warning, facing fourth and two from the Detroit 49.

Three key fourth-downs. Three decisions to go for it. Three conversions, thanks to flawless execution by Campbell’s players.

The Ravens confronted two critical fourth-down calls. The first came at the Detroit two, late in the second quarter. Wi