The Detroit Lions appeared to be on their way to their first Super Bowl appearance under head coach Dan Campbell, but they were outscored 27-7 in the second half and lost 34-31 to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game, ending their 2023 season.
It would have been the Lions’ first trip to the Super Bowl and first NFL championship game since 1957, but the 49ers are headed to their eighth Super Bowl as a franchise, hoping to capture their sixth Lombardi Trophy. San Francisco will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on February 11. The Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 in the AFC championship game.
The 49ers exploded for 17 unanswered points in the third quarter. One of the most memorable plays during that time was Brandon Aiyuk’s spectacular 51-yard reception off a Lions defender’s helmet, which set up his own touchdown catch.
That was a watershed moment for the Detroit Lions, and things only got worse from there for Dan Campbell’s team.
It was one of the 49ers’ five consecutive scoring drives, with strong second-half performances from Ayuik, Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Deebo Samuel, among others.
The Lions dominated the first half, but the second half was a different story entirely. Detroit’s first four drives in the second half ended in two turnovers on downs, a fumble, and a punt. One of the Lions’ most costly mistakes during that time period was Jaymhr Gibbs’ fumble, which set up the 49ers’ game-tying touchdown.
Dan Campbell, true to habit, coached a fearless game on Sunday, except for late in the first half when his team led 21-7. Instead of going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 3, Campbell chose to take the three points and a 17-point halftime lead.
Not going for it then may have prompted Campbell to go for it on fourth-and-3 with 8:24 remaining, the Lions down 27-24 and at the 49ers’ 30-yard line. At that time, it was perhaps more logical to attempt the game-winning field goal. But the Lions went for it and came up short when Jared Goff couldn’t connect with Josh Reynolds.
Misconnections, more than anything else, were the reason the Detroit Lions will not compete in their first Super Bowl. Late in the first half, Goff missed Gibbs in the end zone on a play that would have increased Detroit’s advantage to 28-7. Several comparable situations occurred in the second half, in which either Goff or his intended target were just off.
We can’t dismiss the Lions’ running game, which went into hibernation after halftime. Detroit carried for only 34 yards in the second half following 148 yards in the first.
The offense fell short, but Detroit’s defense did little to shift the momentum when things started to go south. They were especially awful at keeping Purdy in their pockets. Purdy, who is not known for his mobility, made several impressive plays with his legs during the 49ers’ comeback.
Campbell has always been regarded for having a real demeanor and adhering to his truths, which is one of the reasons he is so popular in Detroit and among his players.
His unusual approach has helped turn around a franchise that has been at the basement of the NFL for nearly 30 years.
Dan Campbell demonstrated his true personality in his post-game news conference after the Detroit Lions surrendered the greatest lead in NFC Championship history, sharing his message with the squad in the locker room.
The realest thing you'll hear a coach admit: #Lions HC Dan Campbell told his locker room that this might have been their only shot. Campbell obviously doesn't believe that, but he says it'll be twice as difficult next year.
"You're not hiding from anyone anymore. Everyone will… pic.twitter.com/Lw82rj4djF
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 29, 2024
“I told those guys, this may have been our only shot,” Campbell told the media when asked about his locker room message to his team.
He went on to describe the realities of the NFL, emphasizing how difficult it is to reach an NFC Championship game, which would be twice as difficult in 2024 because the club will have a bullseye on their back and the division they play in is only improving.
The Detroit Lions should be in good shape moving ahead with a young squad stacked with talent, but the NFL is a ruthless business, and he’s sure to lose important members of the coaching staff, most notably Ben Johnson, who has been hailed for developing Jared Goff.
Whether he wins or loses, Dan Campbell always keeps it genuine.
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