By Jason Berndt
The Lions have been one of the best stories of the year in the NFL, not just here in Detroit. They won their first division since 1993, along with hosting and winning two playoff games at home for the first time in Ford Field’s existence. Now they face a daunting task of going on the road in their first NFC Championship game since January of 1992 to face the NFC’s top seed San Francisco 49ers. In what usually would point to a Lions loss, here are a few key points that could lead Detroit to a win on Sunday.
Detroit’s offensive line is hobbling into Sunday’s matchup, with guard Jonah Jackson listed as out on the injury report. Center Frank Ragnow is beat up but will gut it out. At this point of the year nobody is healthy on either side. With that being said, it starts and ends with that group up front. Green Bay was able to rush for over 130 yards on the ground against San Francisco in their previous game, so Detroit should be able to move the ball on the ground with their duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. With the signing this week of former pro-bowler Zach Ertz, expect to see several two-tight end sets with him and Sam LaPorta providing additional blocking up front. If the ground game is working, that will open up play-action and allow the Lions to spread it around and take a few deep shots.
Detroit has played well this year when they contain the quarterback. 49ers signal caller Brock Purdy is not known for his mobility, although he can escape out of the pocket at times and extend plays. If the Lions can contain him, they should be able to utilize the same game plan they just used against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Timely blitzes, along with solid zone defensive schemes will allow Detroit’s defensive line to attempt to get home. San Francisco does have a solid offensive line, so bringing extra bodies at times will be key. Running back Christian McCaffery must be slowed down if the Lions hope to win. It will be a big key to the game, but it goes back to the rule that has been around forever in football: run the ball and stop the run.
The biggest thing the Lions must do if they hope to get to their first Superbowl in franchise history is avoid turnovers. Giving the Niners a short field or giving them easy points will certainly spell doom. If Detroit can protect the football, they certainly have enough weapons to move the ball and get points. This would also include head coach Dan Campbell going for it on 4th down at the appropriate times.
This certainly has a different feel going into this game. The Lions did not get here by accident, nor should they feel overwhelmed by the moment. If they continue to play the quality football they’ve been playing for the last 5 weeks, and for most of the season for that matter, we might just be happy with end results. The game will take place on Sunday at 6pm on Fox. Detroit enters the game as a touchdown underdog.
