The Detroit Lions’ season ended last weekend with a loss on the road against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. It’s difficult to be sad if you’re the Lions because this was the best season they’ve had in almost 30 years, but the way they lost was about as harsh as it gets. Detroit led 24-7 at halftime, and it appeared that they would advance to the Super Bowl. However, things unraveled rapidly in the second half.
If the Lions complete a fourth-down throw around halfway through the third quarter, they will most likely play in the Super Bowl next weekend. Instead, the beautiful pass was dropped, and what should have been an interception for Detroit on the next possession became a key play for the 49ers, setting up a touchdown.
On the Lions’ following drive, they lost a fumble on the first play. San Francisco quickly banged it in, tying the game. Dan Campbell, the Lions’ head coach, passed up another field goal attempt on fourth down later in the game, which also failed. The 49ers won the game 34-31
Many people have questioned Dan Campbell’s decision-making since the game ended. If the Lions had kicked two field goals instead of going for it, the outcome of the game could have been different. Penei Sewell, the Lions’ standout offensive lineman, is standing with his coach, though.
“I disagree with any criticism of Coach. “I’ve got his back until the end,” Penei Sewell stated, according to an ESPN report. “If he instructs me to jump off a cliff, I’ll be right there with him. I’m quite serious. So, whatever he says or calls for, all we have to do is carry it out. So that is primarily our responsibility. “That is my guy.”
Sewell has been a valuable member of the Lions’ roster since his arrival, and he had another strong season this year. He has grown a lot since joining the NFL.
“I’m just more comfortable with everything and I’ve experienced more at the end of the day,” he said. “And the game is slower and that’s pretty much it.”
The Lions’ season did not end as they hoped, but the future looks promising. Detroit expected to lose at least one of its coordinators this offseason, but both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn will return. The Lions should be back in contention next season.
“It’s a family affair,” Sewell remarked. “When those two men come back, it kind of reinforces that and speaks to it. It’s for real. We all adore them. Every new year brings another level to tap into, and I believe there is no limit, and we simply have to attack it that way.”
With all the Lions have returning next year, it might be a memorable season in Detroit.
