Lions' Jim Caldwell the biggest 4th-down gambler in 2014
Move over "Riverboat" Ron Rivera, there's a new sheriff in town.
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell isn't the first coach that comes to mind when thinking of aggressive decision-making, but, according to a recent study by Football Outsiders, he went for it on fourth down more often than any other coach in 2014.
Caldwell opted to risk it on fourth down 14 times out of 107 opportunities for a frequency rate of 13.1 percent, according to the study. Football Outsiders didn't include situations where teams were trailing and had to go for it in the study.
Marc Trestman of the Chicago Bears came in second, with a rate of 12.8 percent.
Mike Smith, who was not surprisingly relieved of his duties by the Atlanta Falcons, came in last after going for it just once.
Detroit has long been known as a pass-first team, but it's clear Caldwell has confidence in Joique Bell and the short running game.
The benefits of going for it in makeable fourth-down situations usually outweigh the risks, and make things more exciting for fans. Hopefully more coaches will follow Caldwell's lead.
- With h/t to NFL.com