Before the NFC Championship game, Kyle Shanahan gave the Detroit Lions’ defense some sly props, stating that they are not as poor as the stats would suggest.

When discussing their upcoming game against the Lions, the coach of the San Francisco 49ers acknowledged the team’s propensity for huge plays but also called attention to their defensive shortcomings. The clubs square off on January 28 with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake. The Lions’ ability to contain San Francisco’s versatile offense may determine the winner.

49ers Coach Discusses Lions Defense’s Positive and Negative Aspects

While pointing out to reporters this week that the Lions’ defensive statistics aren’t the best in the NFL, Shanahan emphasized that the team can still exert pressure on opponents.

They use their defense as a game. They produce a few plays. According to SI.com, Shanahan stated, “You can see their entire defense in numbers, and you can see that they rank 31st in the pass game.” However, after viewing the video, you begin to understand their true nature. They act in an aggressive manner. They are prone to big plays because they jumble everything.

The Lions play a very aggressive defense that is sometimes “hit or miss,” Shananah continued. According to the 49ers coach, the Lions have recently been hitting more often than missing.

Shanahan remarked, “But they cause more negative plays than I think anyone in the NFL.” It was, in my opinion, the fourth of the entire year. They seamlessly integrate with that.

Shanahan said that because the Lions have a propensity to use a variety of defensive looks, it can be challenging to design against them.

He claimed that “they’re different almost every week.” Thus, you have to sort of observe it in the way they play the game. They will rearrange things. The following time, it will be something else if they catch on to something. They will therefore consistently launch an offensive and behave aggressively.

It Will Be Hard for Lions to Stop 49ers Offense

When attempting to stop San Francisco on Sunday, the Lions will have to make some tough decisions of their own. Head coach Dan Campbell of the Lions stated that the team’s first priority will be to stop Christian McCaffrey, the running back, but he is aware that Shanahan will be prepared to exploit him in the passing game if the Lions overload the front.

#Lions HC Dan Campbell explains Kyle Shanahan’s offense:

“He just does an unbelievable job of setting you up. He’s going to make you stop it & if you don’t stop it, you keep getting it & then once you feel like you’re about to stop it, he counters… he’s just always been great… pic.twitter.com/sHNXYk5IWa

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) January 25, 2024

“Cease your sprint. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, Campbell stated, “You’ve got to stop the run.” “Because they won’t even bother about passing if they rush for 250 yards on you if you don’t.” That is where it all begins, and they are (the most dynamic offense). [Kyle] Shanahan is a fantastic player; he will work one side and cause you to overreact, then he will counter, play passes off of it, and work the middle of the field.

The Lions, led by MVP candidate Brock Purdy, will also have their hands full in the passing game, according to Campbell.

“But it just has to start there, we have to stop this run game,” he stated. “You have to do everything in your power to make this team one-dimensional, but it’s difficult to do.”