The Lions are on the verge of making their inaugural appearance in the Super Bowl, and there are three compelling reasons why Detroit has a shot at achieving this milestone.
The Detroit Lions are experiencing a truly magical season, and with just two more victories, it could become one of the most remarkable stories in recent NFL history.
This season, the Lions achieved significant milestones by winning their division for the first time since 1993, finishing with a 12-5 record. Additionally, they broke a playoff drought dating back to 1991 by narrowly defeating the Los Angeles Rams, and continued their postseason success with a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. Now, Detroit stands just one win away from securing its inaugural Super Bowl appearance in franchise history and two wins away from claiming its first championship since 1957, a feat that predates the Super Bowl era.
The final hurdle for the Lions is overcoming the NFC No. 1 seed San Francisco 49ers to reach the Super Bowl, and surprisingly, they have a genuine chance. Here are three compelling reasons why the Lions might finally earn their spot in the Super Bowl.
Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs doesn’t conform to the traditional style of carrying the ball 20 times a game between the tackles; that’s not his playing style. Instead, what he brings is a constant and formidable threat whenever he steps onto the field. The emphasis is on explosiveness, as the Lions adapt Gibbs’s role from a rusher to a receiver based on the game’s demands, adjusting their strategy according to what proves effective.
It’s this flexible and unpredictable approach that keeps opposing defenses on their toes, making it challenging for them to focus on a specific method of covering him. As a running back, dealing with Gibbs requires a speedy linebacker to contain him in the box, and if he moves to the outside, a defensive back must be committed to handling his agility.
Functioning as an offensive Swiss Army Knife, whether the 49ers can effectively manage Gibbs, along with the Lions’ other offensive weapons, will be a pivotal factor in the outcome of the game.
Ben Johnson
The reason every team with a head coaching vacancy is interested in Ben Johnson is his offensive brilliance. While he doesn’t reinvent the wheel, he consistently discovers the optimal way to attack the opposing defense week after week.
In the matchup against the Buccaneers, this was evident in a dynamic running game where David Montgomery operated in the middle before Jahmyr Gibbs moved to the outside. In passing situations, the team ensured a diverse attack, preventing any single player from being isolated. This involved utilizing Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Gibbs as a versatile backfield receiver, targeting every level of the defense.
Despite the formidable nature of the 49ers defense, if there’s anyone capable of identifying a weakness and exploiting it, it’s Ben Johnson.
Aidan Hutchinson
This particular game underscores the importance of selecting a top-tier pass rusher early in the draft.
The impact of pressure has already been demonstrated by Hutchinson in the playoffs. In the Lions’ Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams, during a crucial moment with Matthew Stafford and the Rams driving late in the game, Hutchinson, coming in from the right edge, forced a critical holding penalty on a 3rd and 4 at the Detroit 34-yard line. This setback forced the Rams to punt after an incomplete third-down pass from Stafford, ultimately securing the victory for the Lions.
Facing the formidable 49ers offense on Sunday, Hutchinson and his team will need to contend with a dynamic opponent. However, there’s an interesting statistic worth noting: When under pressure this season, Brock Purdy has thrown six interceptions, ranking fifth in the league according to Pro Football Focus. The significance of pressure in terms of productivity cannot be understated, and if Hutchinson can generate pressure on Sunday, it could significantly enhance the Lions’ chances.
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