The ‘Grit’ Standard: Craig Reynolds Punches in Clutch 4th-Down TD
DETROIT, MI — Dan Campbell doesn’t play for ties, and he certainly doesn’t play for “safe” field goals. With the season on the line and the ball resting 36 inches from the goal line, Campbell kept his offense on the field. The result? A 1-yard touchdown by Craig Reynolds that perfectly encapsulated the blue-collar identity of this Detroit Lions roster.
Nothing but respect for Aaron Rodgers 👏 pic.twitter.com/UUUzokOjLl
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026
The Power of the Offensive Line
The play succeeded because of a massive surge from the Lions’ interior line. Frank Ragnow and Graham Glasgow moved the line of scrimmage two yards deep into the end zone, creating a narrow lane for Reynolds. While Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery provide the flash, Reynolds provided the “grit”—a word that has become the literal mantra for this franchise. Reynolds finish the night with the most significant yard of his career, pushing the score to 17-10.
This drive was a masterclass in clock management and physical football. Jared Goff orchestrated a 10-play march that drained over six minutes off the clock, wearing down a Tampa Bay front seven that had been stout in the first half. By the time Reynolds crossed the plane, the Buccaneers’ defense looked visually spent.
Game Impact: 4th Down Efficiency
- Lions 4th Down Stats: 1-for-1 (100%)
- Drive Length: 10 plays, 75 yards, 6:12 Time of Possession
- Craig Reynolds: 1 carry, 1 yard, 1 TD
- Atmosphere: Ford Field reached 120+ decibels following the score.
What They Said
“We didn’t come this far to be timid. I told the guys in the huddle we were going for it before the third-down play even ended. Craig is a guy who works his tail off every day, and he deserved that moment.” — Dan Campbell, Lions Head Coach
“When you see your coach show that kind of confidence in you, it changes your mindset. We knew we were getting that yard. There was no other option.” — Jared Goff, Lions QB
Analysis: Why It Mattered
In many ways, this 4th-down conversion was the turning point of the game. Had the Lions failed, Tampa Bay would have taken over with massive momentum. By scoring, Detroit forced Baker Mayfield to play from behind in a hostile environment, eventually leading to the pressured throws and late interceptions that sealed the game. As the Lions prepare for the NFC Championship, this aggressive DNA remains their greatest strength—and their most unpredictable weapon.
