It’s amazing how quickly a collapse can happen when teams face historic pressure. We saw exactly that during Sunday’s NFC title game between the Lions and 49ers.
The Lions went to Santa Clara in search of the franchise’s first trip to the Super Bowl. And for one half, the game had the makings of a Lions blowout win. But Lions fans used to disappointment, and the third quarter was full of it.
After the 49ers took over on a turnover on downs, a fluke deflection set up a 51-yard completion to Brandon Aiyuk. The Niners would punch in a touchdown to get within seven points. And from there, it was all Niners.
AIYUK UNBELIEVABLE!
📺: #DETvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gm8L5xwa9D— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2024
Sure Lions first downs turned into dropped passes. An amazing punt became a touchback due to clumsy punt coverage. And with 10 minutes left in the game, the Niners took their first lead.
49ers take a 27-24 lead with 9:52 remaining in the 4th. #FTTB
📺: #DETvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/icV3wEvdXn— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2024
The game didn’t even have to end before NFL fans mocked the Lions’ unbelievably quick collapse.