Lions’ 34–31 defeat on Sunday, January 28, 2024, NFC championship game at Santa Clara, California.
INDIANAPOLIS: Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell stated on Monday that he still had one regret regarding his late-game choices during the team’s 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game. Campbell has one month to think back on the devastating conclusion to his team’s season.
“The only thing that, if I could go back, that I felt greedy on was at the very end of the game, and instead of just deciding what we’re going to do on fourth down to hold the timeout,” Campbell stated. “I should have waited until fourth down, but you can run it and execute it on third down. Hold onto that final timeout; at least you scored. However, I did get a little bit—I didn’t think we were just going to pop the run. In retrospect, though, throwing it was the wiser move. At least you are aware when the timer ends, you score, and you can extend the time limit for an additional chance or opportunity.”
Against the 49ers, the Lions jumped out to an early 24-7 lead before letting a number of self-inflicted errors cost them dearly in the second half.
They botched field goals twice in an attempt to convert on fourth down, and they lost fumbles, dropped passes, and failed to block. The 49ers responded with touchdowns after the Lions failed on both of their efforts at conversion.
With just over a minute remaining in the game, the Lions, down 34-24, drove to the San Francisco 1-yard line after Campbell approved a third-and-goal play that was stopped for a loss when Jameson Williams failed to block.
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, during the third quarter of the NFC championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, 49ers wide receiver Brandon Ayuk catches the ball over Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor.Junfu Han of the Detroit Free Press
After the 49ers recovered the ensuing onside kick, the Lions had to use their first timeout to stop the clock. Despite scoring on the following play to move within three points, they were unable to recover the ball in time.
On the third downplay call, Campbell admitted he “gambled and lost” the day after the game.
“For me, I’m always going to look back and reflect on every game that happens, and particularly the losses,” he stated on Tuesday. “Those always hurt more, and it’s my responsibility to relieve pressure if I can. How can I do that? Where can I best increase our team’s chances of winning?”
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, during the first half of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Dan Campbell of the Lions celebrates a touchdown scored by running back Jahmeer Gibbs.Junfu Han of the Detroit Free Press
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