Detroit Lions Make the Right Calls in Win over Oakland Raiders

For what seems like the first time this year, the Detroit Lions made the right decision more often than not in their 18-13 win over the Oakland Raiders.

Any other week, when given the choice between a run or a pass, the Lions opted to punt or simply handed the ball to the other team. They were allergic to making the correct call.

Remember that two-point conversion attempt when they gave the ball to Joique Bell out of a shotgun formation? If you don't, it's OK. The memory probably went up with the cloud of smoke that followed Matthew Stafford on his five-yard touchdown run.

"

Have to give Jim Bob Cooter credit. He's at least playing to the strength's of his personnel and has a good feel for play calling.

— James Light (@JamesALight) November 22, 2015"

James Light has a great point, although it doesn't apply to that incredible quarterback draw play call. Nobody is going to confuse Stafford with Cam Newton.

But it was the perfect call for that reason. And while the rest of offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter's decisions weren't based in misdirection, they were smart in other ways.

Cooter wasn't afraid to park Joique Bell on the sideline until it was time to work the clock and preserve the win.

"

Joique Bell's got a lot of flack for his play this season, but big run there, bouncing off a tackle to pick up the first down

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) November 22, 2015"

Bell paid him back by banging away for two first downs, the first of which came courtesy of the truck stick when he left cleat marks on an Oakland defender's backside.

There's no word on whether he had to persuade head coach Jim Caldwell—a guy who stands by his vets—to make the move. All that matters is Cooter had the conviction to stick to his guns, and that confidence flowed through to his quarterback.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

The numbers only tell part of the story for Stafford. He finished 22-of-35 for 282 yards and that rushing touchdown mentioned above.

But he came up huge when his team needed him to make the right decision. He set up that score by scrambling for 18 yards on second down instead of forcing a throw to somebody who wasn't open.

And that's the other side of that decision that deserves some praise. Stafford was able to avoid the big mistake that has plagued him his entire career, staying within himself for the most part, although there was that haphazard flip to Theo Riddick.

While that judgment can be questioned, the decision to get Golden Tate more involved played a pivotal role in this victory.

"

No TD for Golden Tate, but he did the job in PPR with 8 receptions, 73 yards

— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) November 22, 2015"

Tate was personally responsible for at least three sprained ankles with his patented step-back move that left a few Raiders looking around like a child watching a magician.

It's too early to start wondering if Cooter should be kept around for another year once the offseason purge gets underway. While the offense looked better at times, it still only put up 18 points against a defense that has been giving up almost 27 points per game.

But if he can keep putting the right players in the proper positions to succeed (what a concept!), someone will give him a shot to run their offense, whether in Detroit or elsewhere.

Brandon Alisoglu is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist. He also co-hosts a Lions-centric podcast, Lions Central Radio. Yell at him on Twitter @BrandonAlisoglu.