Even during the greatest start in franchise history at 13-2, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell remains haunted by last year's NFC Championship game in San Francisco. For Campbell, it still stings, as the Lions blew a 17-point halftime lead. Now, as Detroit prepares for a rematch on Monday night, he likened it to his Super Bowl experience as a player with the New York Giants during the 2000 season. It's something he'll never forget.
With a victory -- and a Minnesota Vikings loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday -- Detroit has a rare opportunity to clinch the NFC North title and the NFC's No. 1 seed. The Lions are one of five teams since seeding began in 1975 that have never been a No. 1 seed, along with the Cardinals, Texans, Buccaneers, and Jets.
Lions QB Jared Goff is aware of what's at stake with a win but is locked in on the task of beating San Francisco. "We know the scenario, but we certainly don't want to overlook anything or try to hope something happens. Whatever happens, happens, so we'll see."
Campbell said, "Yeah, sure. Just like my second year in the league we go to the Super Bowl and get smashed by Baltimore. I won't ever forget that either. So those stick with you. We just didn't do enough. You learn from every experience. Unfortunately, that's the best way to learn is from the losses. It really is."
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