Sunday was Championship day and it was the Chiefs and the 49ers that are moving on to the Super Bowl. The 49ers started their game with the Lions down 14-0 and for the second time this season, they were down double digits. The Lions had an explosive first half, rushing their way into the end zone.
At half time, the score was 24-7. The Niners looked as if they may finally be taken out, but the offense wasn’t done yet. San Fransisco came on the field slinging the ball. The drive looked promising but only resulted in a field goal. It was the 49ers defense that took control of the game from here.
They would get two consecutive stops, including a fumble. Both of these drives resulted in touchdowns for the Niners and it was now tied 24 all. The two teams would exchange possessions a few times until the 49ers scored a field goal and then a touchdown that really was the nail in the coffin.
The Lions had the opportunity to tie the game but simply did not have enough time. It felt like the team was able to get some of their momentum back. Detroit drove down the field and got down to the one yard line. It was fourth down and the Lions completed a pass in a desperation effort for the score, putting them down 3 points. Detroit lined up for the onside kick and it landed in George Kittle’s hand, ending the game.
49ers are Now 1-5 Since 2022 When Trailing by 14 Or More
49ers are now 1-5 when trailing by 14+ points at any point in a game since 2022.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 29, 2024
This is an insane statistic and really adds to the dominance that is the 2023 49ers. Last season, they looked like one of the best teams because of their defense but in 2023, the offense is nearly unstoppable. The team was down early but quickly got it together thanks to multiple impressive defensive stops.
Lions may have hurt themselves in this game by being too aggressive. They went for it on fourth down multiple times. Dan Campbell has been known as an aggressive coach so it was no surprise to see him go for it any opportunity he had.
How Good is this San Fransisco Team?
Any time that this team looked done this season, they were able to quickly adapt and gain momentum. The 49ers have a tough competition playing against the Veteran, Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs quarterback has been there before and knows what it takes to win the big game.
This will be a difficult matchup for the sophomore, Brock Purdy as it is his first Super Bowl appearance. The Chiefs will pressure Purdy all game and force him to make bad throws. Anybody could win this game but with the 49ers surging back from down 17, it might just be their year to win it all.