An unforgettable Lions season ends in more heartbreak, and legitimate hope too

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Dan Campbell’s face was reddened, his voice coarse like sandpaper. The Detroit Lions had just coughed up their best shot at the Super Bowl ever, and he was asked to explain what we’re all still trying to figure out.

How are you supposed to feel about this epic season? And how do you square that with one of the most epic postseason collapses in NFL history? The Lions roared back to life by winning a franchise-record 14 games this season, and rolled to a 24-7 lead in the NFC championship game. Then just 30 minutes away from punching their ticket to the promised land, they were fileted for 27 consecutive points in a 34-31 defeat that ended their dream season against the San Francisco 49ers.