Does losing in the NFC Championship game hurt more or less than never making it in the first place?

The Detroit Lions, who were on the verge of making their first Super Bowl appearance before losing 34–31 to the San Francisco 49ers, would agree.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone said, “You put a lot of work into it all year long, put your body through a lot.” “The group won’t be the same after this. Although we’ve done a lot this year, winning the Super Bowl is our ultimate objective. There’s nothing worse than nearly missing something, and we were within grasp. These are the losses that you will always remember.”

Or, in the words of tackle Penei Sewell, “That sh— don’t matter.”

The audience at Ford Field for the NFC Championship Game was not what it had been a week before.

When the Lions took against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium early in the game, the mood was mostly calm, with the exception of a few Honolulu Blue fans who were appropriately yelling at the first sign of excitement. However, the Faithful perceived it as merely an additional game in the Bay.

In four plays, the Detroit Lions marched down the field and scored. That also seemed to calm down the home crowd.

However, the 49ers have visited this location previously. and their admirers as well.

The cheers of the Faithful grew louder as the night wore on.

After 27 straight points, they achieved their zenith when Elijah Mitchell scored a touchdown run from three yards out late in the fourth quarter. Sealing the victory, it was San Francisco’s second touchdown off a set of downs in the second half.

Because you follow Dan Campbell’s teachings to the letter, and sometimes you can even die by them.

Throughout the game, the Lions attempted a fourth down three times, but not when they had the upper hand at the end of the first half. As it happens, when people reflect on the game, they might disagree with that particular decision the most. On fourth-and-3 from the 3-yard line, Campbell decided to kick the field goal and take the points rather than try for a touchdown. For Detroit, it was uncharacteristic.

Given how prominent that character has been throughout the season, it stood out like a sore thumb. There’s plenty of it on this Detroit club. They are aggressive and nasty. This is who they are. They are renowned for going for it on fourth down and a variety of other “Campbell-isms.” With seven and a half minutes remaining, Campbell went for it to tie the game at 27, all, so there’s no reason to be angry with him. The only way he knew how to win the game back was to attempt and do so.

“I just felt really good about us converting, getting our momentum and not letting them play long ball,” said Campbell, as he fought back tears on the podium. “They were bleeding the clock out. That’s what they do. I wanted to get the upper hand back. It’s easy, hindsight, I get that. But I don’t regret those decisions. It’s hard because we didn’t come through and it wasn’t able to work out. I understand the scrutiny I’ll get. That’s part of the gig, man. But it just didn’t work out.”

Campbell is not a fan of ties. Detroit has proven time and time again this season that being aggressive at critical junctures and forcing opponents to defend on all four downs works. Since their aggression brought them here in the first place, there was no need to change course at this time.

After defeating the Kansas City Chiefs on banner-raising night in Week 1 of this season, the Lions set themselves up for success. Nevertheless, the Lions were the ones who delivered on all fronts during the season, winning their first division title in over 30 years and defeating the NFC North without ever dropping a game in back-to-back fashion.

It was a result of both Campbell’s faith in his group and the supporters who at last gave themselves permission to believe. That belief shouldn’t be shattered by a loss in the NFC Championship game.

These Lions are not the same team as before the loss.

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown stated, “I think Dan and the people upstairs, the players in this locker room, we bought in and it showed all year.” “We didn’t win, but I believe we have enough players, the proper coaches, and all the necessary pieces to return next year. It is going to be difficult, of course. Next year will undoubtedly be more difficult than it was this year, but we believe we have the guys, and we are hungry. Next year, we’re going to be prepared.”

It won’t be the same, of course. Every year, no two squads are the same. If Ben Johnson is, as many anticipate, offered one of the two head coaching spots that remain this week, St. Brown might lose its offensive coordinator in a matter of hours. Several well-known league insiders have connected him to the Commanders.

However, with nine catches for 97 yards, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta led the club in receiving yards. For the fourth straight game, rookie running back Jammyr Gibbs ran for a score. Jack Campbell, a rookie linebacker, with the second-most total tackles. Brian Branch, a rookie safety, had a tackle for loss. Detroit will have a young core returning next year, in addition to a plethora of talented players.

And the Lions will still have Motor City Dan Campbell, who will use his aggressive sword to keep Detroit hopeful for the upcoming season.