The Detroit Lions take care of business at home, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 31-23 and will advance to the NFC Championship! This is the first time the Lions have advanced to the NFC Championship game since 1992 and continue to inch closer to their first ever Super Bowl trip.
Detroit Lions Offense Combines for Over 400 Yards in Win Over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The first half of this game was rocky for both teams on offense ending with a tie game going into the locker room. The second half adjustments benefited Detroit and their offense was able to move the ball down the field. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 287 yards and 2 touchdowns while completing 30 of his 43 passes.
All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown led all Lions pass catchers today catching 8 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Rookie standout tight end Sam LaPorta was heavily involved as well, catching 9 of his 11 targets for 65 yards.
Linebacker Derrick Barnes Seals Victory with Interception Late in Fourth Quarter
BARNES WITH THE CLINCHER
THE LIONS ARE GOING TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME #AllGrit
pic.twitter.com/f0jmvStA2I— Barstool Detroit (@BSMotorCity) January 21, 2024
The game came down to the last drive with Tampa Bay having a chance to tie the game with a touchdown plus a two-point conversion. On the second play of the drive, quarterback Baker Mayfield threw a pass in the middle of the field intended for tight end Cade Otton. Detroit Linebacker Derrick Barnes was able to make a play on the ball and come away with the interception, ending the Buccaneers season.
Mike Evans Drops 147-Yard Performance in Loss to Detroit Lions
While Tampa Bay’s offense could not keep up with Goff and the Lions in the second half, veteran receiver Mike Evans put together a productive performance catching 8 of his 12 targets for 147 yards and a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Evans has had 9 straight seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards and his talent was displayed on Sunday despite the loss.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 349 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions including the game-sealer for Detroit in the fourth quarter. While Mayfield and the Buccaneers are not advancing to the NFC Championship game, Mayfield had his best statistical season and may have earned himself a longer-term contract in the future with his play this year.
Lions Advance to Their First NFC Championship Game in Over 30 Years
The Lions have finally reached the NFC Championship game after decades of heartache and frustration. The last time Detroit was in 1992, where they lost to Washington with a score of 41-10. Detroit has never made the Super Bowl, but will have an opportunity to change history next Sunday where they will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Levi’s Stadium.
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