As the Detroit Lions gear up to face the San Francisco 49ers in a much-anticipated Week 17 primetime clash, echoes of last season’s heart-wrenching defeat still linger. Detroit watched a 17-point halftime lead slip away against the 49ers, culminating in a bitter NFC Championship loss that cut deep. This time around, the Lions are eyeing redemption in their return visit and a potential first seed in the NFC.
Head Coach Dan Campbell knows a thing or two about learning from tough losses. Reflecting on that fateful game and his own experience from a Super Bowl battering at the hands of Baltimore, Campbell remarked, “Those stick with you.
We just didn’t do enough. You learn from every experience, and unfortunately, the best way to learn is from the losses.”
This season, however, the Lions have become road warriors, triumphing in all seven of their away games. Their unbeaten record away from Ford Field speaks volumes about the team’s growth and determination.
Campbell emphasizes that winning on the road is a hallmark of elite teams. “The best teams I’ve ever been a part of are always good road teams,” Campbell stated, highlighting how discipline and the ability to handle pressure are key.
The thrill of silencing a roaring home crowd is something the Lions have relished. Campbell paints a vivid picture of those moments, “You can’t hear most of the time, especially offensively.
It’s just you guys in the huddle. And then you’ve got to perform, make plays.
There’s nothing better than making a play that shuts the crowd down.”
On a lighter note, Campbell dispelled some locker room rumors about his workout routine. Amidst playful jabs from players, he revealed his unique fitness regimen, noting, “I’ve got my own little gym at home, so I do stuff there…
I do massive power workouts in the shower. It’s liberating, you should try it.”
As the Lions head into this crucial matchup, armed with lessons from past heartaches and an unblemished road record, all eyes will be on how they handle the pressure in San Francisco. If their season so far is any indication, the Lions are not just ready to face their ghosts—they’re set on conquering them.
