The Detroit Lions took 32 years to end their playoff drought, but their quest for another championship may even be longer than that. Most of the Lions fanbase wasn’t even alive when their team won a title.
However, surviving members of the team’s 1957 squad are counting on the team to pull off another miracle upset over the San Fransisco 49ers this weekend.
1957 Detroit Lions Happy for Dan Campbell’s Team
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press are thoroughly impressed with the way the season has turned out for the Lions. Hall-of-Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt, who was part of the Lions’ 1953 and ’57 championship teams, was happy for the city of Detroit.
“It’s about time and like I say, I’m happy for the owners there,” Schmidt said. “They deserve it and it’s good for our lovely town there, it’s good for the people and it’ll bring happiness to our Detroit people.”
Jerry Reinchow, Schmidt’s teammate in 1957 and former Minnesota Vikings scout, pointed to the culture shift Dan Campbell brought as the key to their on-field successes.
“They’ve changed so much, the Lions have in the last two or three years,” said Reichow, who retired from the Vikings after the 2019 season. “All of a sudden they’re a physical team and it’s all because of that coach I think.
“They’re not like the Lions were before. These guys are a lot more physical, so I think that coach is a physical guy. Just look at him and he looks physical. I think they got a good chance, just because they get physical, teams – if you’ve got a physical team, can whip on you in a hurry.”
Detroit Lion’s Uphill Climb vs Niners
These words from the Lions’ last title team are a boost to Detroit, but they know better than anyone that their upcoming game is anything but a cakewalk.
The Niners are an elite offense, boasting a wealth of talent on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. While Deebo Samuel is still questionable for Sunday, they still have dangerous weapons in Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle. Christian McCaffrey is a dangerous weapon in the air and on the ground. Despite the media narrative, Brock Purdy is still a dangerous man under center.
Their defense is also nothing to scoff at. Led by Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, the Niners pose a dangerous threat on the defensive end in spite of their lackluster performance against the Packers in the divisional round.
It will take more than well wishes to beat this Niners team, but it’s a challenge Dan Campbell and his team are more than happy to take on.
