A few Detroit Lions supporters may have experienced some sour feelings during Sunday night’s Super Bowl 58. The Lions were, after all, just one victory away from participating in the game. But in the end, the 49ers from San Francisco defeated the Lions and went on to play the Kansas City Chiefs in the championship game.
To exacerbate the situation, 49ers’ crucial conversion in the game likely sent unwelcome memories of Detroit’s two fourth down miscalculations in the NFC title game back to Lions supporters.
Instead of kicking a game-winning field goal with a fourth and three from Kansas City’s 15-yard line, the 49ers, behind 13–10 early in the fourth quarter, made the decision to go for it. The Niners finally finished the drive off with a score after converting the play, so it was a wise decision.
Coach Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers made a brave decision to go all in that circumstance, and it paid off. Although the Lions did not have the same success, their coach, Dan Campbell, displayed comparable gall against San Francisco in the NFC championship.
The Lions missed two decent field goals on fourth downs in the second half of the game, which resulted in six points being scored in a game that the Niners won by a three-point margin.
Although Campbell drew a lot of flak for his choices in those circumstances, he stood by them.
“Looking back is simple. I understand. I understand that, but it’s difficult, and I don’t regret those choices,” Campbell remarked. It’s difficult since we fell through and things didn’t work out, but I don’t. Furthermore, I am aware that I will be scrutinized because that is part of the job, but it didn’t work out.
In the end, the 49ers’ chances of winning were also dashed, as they were defeated 25-22 by the Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 overtime.
