Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is still haunted by their 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in January’s NFC Championship Game. The team had led 17 points at halftime, but struggled down the stretch, a feeling that resonates with Campbell who experienced similar heartbreak as a player.
Campbell compared the game to his second year in the league when the Giants lost to Baltimore in Super Bowl XXXIV. He emphasizes the importance of learning from losses and acknowledges that Detroit has a rare opportunity to clinch the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed with a victory on Monday.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff is focused on beating the 49ers, saying “Whatever happens, happens.” Players like All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell have defended Campbell amid criticism, pledging their support until the end.
Campbell believes he can compartmentalize last year’s loss by facing this year’s 49ers squad, which has struggled. The Lions are looking to rewrite history and break a 14-game road losing streak against the 49ers, one of the longest in NFL history. Amon-Ra St. Brown remembers the agony of that loss and wants to bring closure with a win on Monday night.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43196575/dan-campbell-haunted-lions-nfc-title-game-loss-49ers