Lions-Niners

SOURCE SPORTS: Detroit Lions Return to NFC Title Game for First Time Since ’91, Will Face 49ers

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Detroit Lions Return to NFC Title Game for First Time Since '91

The NFC Championship game is set. The San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Detroit Lions next Sunday.

The Lions are headed to their first NFC title game since 1991, following a 31-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions were led by Jared Goff, who completed 30 of 43 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns. Lions head coach Dan Campbell highlighted arriving with the “big boys.”

“I envisioned that we would have a chance to compete with the big boys, and that’s where we’re at,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said. “All you’ve got to do is get in. It’s about placing yourself in the very best position to where you can move. … Here we are. Now, we get a chance to go to San Francisco. We know what kind of team that is, but we’re in a great position. We’ve got a great opportunity.”

The Bucs put up a admirable fight, led by Baker Mayfield’s 349 yards passing. Unfortunately, his two interceptions, one sealing the game for the Lions, were too much for the team to overcome. The Bucs now enter the offseason with numerous questions about their future as Mayfield, No. 1 receiver Mike Evans, and more key players are free agents.

Meeting the Lions in the title game will be the juggernaut Niners, who squeaked out a win against the frisky Green Bay Packers on Saturday. The final score was 24-21.

Much like the Lions-Bucs game, the Packers ended their season with a game losing interception from Jordan Love, picked off by Dre Greenlaw.

The Niners will enter the game hobbled as star receiver Deebo Samuel’s status is uncertain following a shoulder injury.

Notable in the game, was the coming of age moment from quarterback Brock Purdy, silencing doubters about his ability and leading a game-winning touchdown drive. Purdy led the offensive 69 yards down the field over 12 plays. Purdy went 23 for 39 with 252 yards and one touchdown.

“It’s like, we had what we wanted right in front of us, so you have to clean the slate, you have to have a clean mind, and not try to force anything, take what the defense gives you, and find a way,” Purdy said.

“Brock, he made some big plays in this game. Missed a couple, but leading us down on our last drive and getting the win, that’s all I can ask for,” head coach Mike Shanahan said.

The 49ers and Lions will battle in the conference championship on Sunday at 6:30 EST on FOX.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Detroit Lions Return to NFC Title Game for First Time Since ’91, Will Face 49ers first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Detroit Lions Return to NFC Title Game for First Time Since ’91, Will Face 49ers appeared first on The Source.