Dan Campbell postgame media availability | 2023 NFC Championship: Lions vs. 49ers

Summary

The coach reflects on his team's crushing NFC Championship loss, crediting the opponent for making plays while expressing pride in his own team's fight. He takes accountability for fateful 4th down calls, laments uncharacteristic mistakes, and acknowledges the challenge ahead to regroup and return. The coach stresses the difficulty of losses like these, saying it feels like getting your heart ripped out. He aims to appreciate accomplishments while grappling with devastation, knowing the team dynamics will change and admitting only the Super Bowl winner feels truly satisfied.

Takeaways

• 😊 Gave credit to the 49ers for making plays and being a great team
• 😔 Expressed disappointment in the loss and said it was hard for the team
• 😠 Took responsibility for the 4th down play calls that didn't work out
• 😇 Said the loss was uncharacteristic and they couldn't get momentum back
• 😢 Said the loss feels like getting your heart ripped out
• 🚫 Said they didn't convert on critical 4th downs in the 2nd half
• 😤 Said the 49ers started making plays and they couldn't counter
• 🤔 Admitted the 49ers' experience may have been a factor
• 😕 Said the locker room is very disappointed after the loss
• 🙂 Still believes in the team and players despite the difficult loss

Q & A

What does Shanahan credit the 49ers' win to?

Shanahan credits the 49ers' win to his players making plays when needed. He says they have lived through and experienced big moments which helped them close out the game.

How does McVay view the Rams' performance and what happened in the second half?

McVay says the Rams' performance in the second half was very uncharacteristic of them. He can't pinpoint what exactly went wrong but says they normally are able to regain momentum, which they couldn't do this time.

What was McVay's thinking behind going for it on 4th down twice?

McVay felt confident about converting on 4th down to keep momentum and prevent the 49ers from running the clock down further. In hindsight he understands the scrutiny but doesn't regret the decisions.

What does McVay say is the reality of trying to get back to the NFC Championship game next year?

McVay says it will be twice as hard to get back to the NFC Championship game next year. He notes that the division will be loaded with talent and every opponent will be gunning for the Rams.

What is McVay's message to Fuller about the touchdown he gave up?

McVay tells Fuller that mistakes happen but to keep fighting on every play and make the opponents work for everything. He doesn't want players who look scared against tough matchups.

What does McVay say is necessary for success along with talent and good coaching?

McVay believes there needs to be chemistry, teamwork, unselfishness, and no egos along with talent and coaching to find success. Otherwise a team will quickly become average.

How does McVay describe the locker room atmosphere after the loss?

McVay says the locker room is very disappointed and describes it as feeling like your heart was ripped out. He reiterates that no one is happy with how things ended.

Does McVay think the 49ers' experience played a factor in the second half?

McVay says it's hard for him to believe the 49ers having more experience played a big role since the Rams played in many big games this season too. But he can't completely dispute it having an impact.

What did McVay expect the 49ers to do in the second half?

McVay expected the 49ers to make some plays in the second half. He knew they would make a run at some point, it was just a matter of the Rams answering back which they couldn't do.

How does McVay summarize the loss and the season?

McVay feels that without winning the Super Bowl, the Rams' season will leave them feeling like every other non-Super Bowl team - with a pretty bad taste in their mouths despite accomplishments.