FIRST TAKE | "Dan Campbell killed Lions game" - Stephen A. Smith reacts to Lions' collapse vs. 49ers

Summary

The script describes the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. The Lions had a commanding 24-7 halftime lead but the 49ers rallied to tie the game by the end of the 3rd quarter, eventually winning 34-31. There is analysis and debate over Lions coach Dan Campbell's decisions to go for it on 4th down multiple times rather than kick field goals. The drops and fumbles by the Lions in the 3rd quarter are highlighted as key turning points. There is disagreement over how much blame Campbell deserves for the loss versus the Lions' execution.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lions jumped out to early lead but couldn't hold on as 49ers stormed back
• 😱 Lions had 24-7 halftime lead but got outscored 27-0 in 3rd quarter
• 😡 Campbell questioned for going for it on 4th down instead of kicking FGs
• 🏈 Lions dominated 1st half running game but abandoned it in 2nd half
• 👎 2 Lions WR drops in 3rd quarter directly led to 49ers points
• 😫 Lions fumble by RB Gibs also led to 49ers points in 3rd quarter
• 😤 Campbell takes blame but Stephen A says collapse not his fault
• ⚡ 49ers QB Purdy's mobility surprised Lions in 2nd half
• 😕 Stephen A says Campbell should have stuck with run game
• 😞 Huge missed opportunity for Lions to reach Super Bowl

Q & A

What teams are playing in Super Bowl 58 according to the script?

The San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

What was the final score of the NFC Championship game between the 49ers and Lions?

The 49ers won 34-31 after overcoming a 24-7 deficit.

Who scored the game-winning touchdown for the 49ers?

The script doesn't specify, but it says the 49ers scored 27 unanswered points in the second half.

What questionable coaching decisions by Dan Campbell is the script referring to?

The script mentions Campbell electing to go for it on 4th down twice instead of kicking field goals.

How well did the Lions run the ball in the first half?

The script says the Lions ran for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 carries in the first half.

Why does Stephen A. Smith blame Dan Campbell for the loss?

Smith believes Campbell should have continued running the ball in the second half instead of passing more.

What were the key Lions mistakes in the second half according to Shannon Sharpe?

Sharpe cites two dropped passes by Josh Reynolds and a fumble by Jir Gibbs as being pivotal.

What was the time of possession advantage for the 49ers in the second half?

The script doesn't specify the exact time of possession numbers.

How effective were the Lions on 4th down during the regular season?

The script says the Lions converted 20 out of 24 4th down attempts of 3 yards or less during the regular season.

Who does the script say the Lions will play in the Super Bowl if they had won?

The Kansas City Chiefs.