Al Michaels recently remarked on the fine line between madness and brilliance, and Dan Campbell’s approach to fourth-down decisions often straddles that line. As head coach of the Detroit Lions, Campbell is the most aggressive in the NFL when it comes to going for it on fourth down, a strategy that sparks mixed reactions. For some, this boldness is seen as a strength, but for others, like ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi, it’s viewed as reckless.

On “Sunday NFL Countdown,” Bruschi strongly criticized Campbell’s frequent fourth-down gambles, expressing doubt about the coach’s emotional control and decision-making. Bruschi specifically took issue with a fourth-and-1 attempt late in the game against the Green Bay Packers, arguing that it could have easily backfired and given Green Bay a short field to score a potential game-winning touchdown. He questioned why Campbell felt the need to go for it in every situation, suggesting that a punt might have been the safer choice, given Green Bay’s quarterback’s tendency to throw interceptions.

Bruschi, who spent his entire career with the New England Patriots under the more conservative Bill Belichick, argued that Campbell should focus more on “playing like you’re on top” rather than taking risks. His critique reflects the more traditional, risk-averse mindset that Belichick embodies, contrasting sharply with Campbell’s aggressive, instinct-driven coaching style.

While there’s merit to Bruschi’s concerns, especially in high-stakes moments, it’s also clear that Campbell’s willingness to take risks is a key factor in the Lions’ success. Yes, his approach could lead to a major misstep at some point, but it’s also what has energized the team and helped propel them forward. Bruschi’s insistence on dialing back the aggression overlooks the fact that Campbell’s coaching philosophy is working—and it’s unlikely to change anytime soon.