The Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off in the NFL’s second NFC Divisional Round matchup. Ultimately, the Lions came out on top 31-23, giving the Lions their first NFC Championship appearance since 1991.
The Lions’ victory continues the season that will likely go down as one of the Lions’ best in franchise history. With how long the franchise has struggled, they are breaking all of their droughts. How’d they do it this time?
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For a majority of the game, it was an evenly-matched battle. Both teams scored the same amount of points in the first three quarters. However, the first touchdown of the game came with 12:38 left in the second quarter, with Jared Goff throwing a nine-yard score to Josh Reynolds.
The Buccaneers never gave up, though, scoring a touchdown of their own before the half, leaving the game tied 10-10 at halftime. The score was a two-yard passing touchdown from Baker Mayfield to Cade Otton.
Ultimately, though, the Lions pulled away in the fourth quarter, giving them a 14-point lead, one the Buccaneers could not overcome. The Buccaneers did, however, still give it a try, scoring a 16-yard passing TD to bring it within a score. The Lions sealed the game with linebacker Derrick Barnes intercepting Mayfield with 1:39 left in the game.
The win marked the franchise’s 600th win since its inception in 1934. Prior to this season, the Lions had not won a playoff game in 31 seasons. “They’re the best. Look around right now; they’re not going to leave for some time,” said Goff of the fanbase. “They deserve it. They deserve this.”
Goff passed 30 of 43 for 287 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. His performance was crucial to the Lions’ victory. A big part of his game was a late-game streak of eight completions, resulting in a touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, giving the Lions a two-possession lead.
In the game, Lions center Frank Ragnow was rolled up on, suffering a leg injury. Yet, he still returned to the game, where he was able to secure a touchdown-scoring seal block on star defensive tackle Vita Vea. “It’s incredible — it’s hard to put into words. But with this guy at the helm, we’re not done yet,” said Ragnow.
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Another key piece for the Lions’ success in the game, as well as the season, was star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Against Tampa Bay, Hutchinson had four tackles and one sack. Hutchinson was born in Plymouth, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan for college.
Following the game, Hutchinson was asked what it means to him and the fanbase, considering he grew up a fan of the franchise. “It’s hard to put into words. Not a fan has left this stadium,” said Hutchinson. “It’s amazing, this city deserves it.”
Finally, there’s the coach who changed everything. Dan Campbell was hired after the 2020 season and has since compiled a 29-33-1 head coaching record. “I’m really proud of everybody that’s a part of this,” said Campbell. As a player, Campbell played for the Lions from 2006-2008 and was a part of the 0-17 team.
Now, the Lions are set to face the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. The 49ers are coming off a come-from-behind victory over the Green Bay Packers and are the top-seeded team in the NFC. The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 28th.
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