How Lions Can Beat 49ers: 5 Key Strategies for NFC Championship

How does this sound? The Detroit Lions are the only NFC team to have never made it to the Super Bowl. That’s a tag you don’t want to be associated with. However, this year things are different. The squad also made it to the playoffs for the first time in 3 decades. Plus, their 12-5 record this year is the best in over thirty years. They’re not the same team as the previous years.

What remains to be seen is the Sunday game. Can the Lions roar into the first Super Bowl in the franchise’s history? If they want, here are five strategies that they should look to incorporate. These may hold the key to them making it to this season’s climax.

1. Protecting Jared Goff from sack pressure

The success of Detroit Lions in the upcoming matchup hinges on one thing. Providing quarterback Jared Goff with a clean pocket. This will prove to be a critical factor given his susceptibility to pressure.

He has faced five sacks in the last two playoff games. And the challenge looms larger against a formidable defensive front featuring Arik Armstead, Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Javon Hargrave.

2. Limiting QB Brock Purdy

“Mr. Irrelevant” was the 262nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, Brock Purdy has proven his relevance as the 49ers’ starting quarterback. What can he boast of? A stunning 20-5 record! In the last game, they just managed to scrape through. And therein lies the lesson for the Lions.

The Green Bay Packers successfully limited Purdy to 252 yards and a single touchdown pass. If the Lions manage to recreate that and limit Purdy, victory could be theirs.

3. Stopping “Run CMC”

“Run CMC” stands as a crucial force for the 49ers. He’s one of the main pillars that led to their wild success this season. With him on the roster, the Niners are 25-6. He’s the second NFL MVP frontrunner from the squad. And he’s not even a QB! That should tell you something about his skill as a running back.

McCaffrey’s already scaled the 2,000-yard milestone this season. Shutting him down will be the litmus test for the Lions’ stout run defense.

4. Exploiting the Niners’ rain aversion

The weather conditions could play a pivotal role in the upcoming game. And yes, it plays in the Lions’ favor. How? QB Brock Purdy struggled with ball control in the wet conditions. Unfortunately for the Detroit Lions, the day is going to be spotless.

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However, if the rain gods do decide to betray the Niners, the Lions might find an advantage in a potential rainy game. The squad possesses a robust offensive line and a strong run game, making them well-equipped for adverse weather conditions.

5. Detroit Lions must address the pressure in the last quarter

Ultimately, emphasizing a “finishing mentality” had been a key focus for the Lions during the offseason. Safety Kerby Joseph said, “Pressure makes diamonds.”. The last quarter can make or break the game. The Lions should look to go out, make crucial plays, and hold their ground defensively.

Kick off is at 6:30 p.m. ET on January 28 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

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