The Detroit Lions created history by making it into the NFC championship game almost after three decades. The entire Detroit city celebrated with their heroes. They first registered a playoff victory after 30 years and now, they are looking to seal the Championship game.
The season seemed a different one for the Lions from the very beginning. They beat the mighty Chiefs in the first game of the season. Their command and grasp over the league strengthened as games passed. In the end, they ended up making it to the playoffs.
After a thrilling game against the Rams, the Lions had a faceoff against the Buccaneers. The game could have gone either way but it was Derrick Barnes who came in the scenario. The LB made a crucial interception of Baker Mayfield. It gave the Lions a major boost and took them to the playoffs. The Lions’ defense had a vital role in the game and it helped the team to restrict the Bucs’ offense.
The game was settled at 23-31 in favor of the Lions when Mayfield threw a ball for a drive. Had that drive led to a touchdown, the game would have gone a different way. It was Barnes who saved the Lions.
After the crucial interception, some exchange of words became viral, as the pumped-up LB coach, Kelvin Sheppard, on the sideline, said to Barmes that it was he who took the team to the championship. The LB coach said:
We are going to the Championship because of you.
Kelvin Sheppard said
The sideline microphone caught those words.
The Lions will be facing the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
George Kittle is not taking the Lions lightly
Ahead of the playoffs, George Kittle, the Niners’ tight end (TE) revealed that the Lions could make things difficult for them. In an interview with Pat McAfee, the TE said that he was not surprised to see the Lions making it to the NFC Championship game.
George Kittle said:
I’m not surprised at all [they are in the NFC Championship game]. Everything that Dan Campbell preaches is what the team is, it’s not fake, they’re gritty, they’re going to out-work you, out-effort you. I was looking earlier at their offense, Frank [Ragnow] their centre is a phenomenal player, [Sam] LaPorta is fantastic, [Amon Ra] St. Brown is fantastic and [Jared] Goff is playing at a high level and their running backs are pretty damn good as well.
George Kittle on Pat McAfee
The Niners will start the playoffs as favorites. Their performance throughout the league would give them some sort of benefit.