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Detroit Lions 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
Detroit keeps setting new franchise records that have not been seen in decades. Their first divisional title since 1993. The most wins in franchise history since 1991. Their first postseason win since that same 1991-92 season. And now, the first time that this franchise has won multiple playoff games in the same postseason since 1957.
That was the last time that the Lions managed to win an NFL Championship, in the days before the Super Bowl.
And wouldn't you know it? The team that they beat in that championship is the same team that they will meet next Sunday - the San Francisco 49ers.
Does that mean that the Lions are going to win?
Well, I wouldn't go that far. What I will say is that the Lions most likely will not have as bad an outing in this upcoming Championship Game as they did in the last. Remember, they lost 41-10 to Washington in that game, and were never really in the game. Yet, it probably could even have been worse, since they had also lost to Washington 45-0 during the regular season.
Sorry. Not sure why I even mentioned that. This is not a time to reflect on the myriad failures that this franchise has suffered through. They just won back-to-back playoff wins for the first time since the days when Eisenhower was still in the White House.
In this game, the Tampa Bay Bucs played hard and kept the game close for most of the time.
However, the Lions clung to a 24-17 lead into the fourth quarter, when they finally broke through and earned a touchdown, seemingly just about icing the game at 31-17.
But Tampa Bay responded. They scored a touchdown themselves in answer, although they missed their frankly inexplicable attempt at a two-point conversation. I understand that concept of going for the win instead of OT when on the road, but it just feels like you at least want to build up some momentum before that point when you have to make that decision.
Nevertheless, the Buccaneers did have a chance to tie the game late when they got the ball back. But quarterback Baker Mayfield - who will likely be Tampa Bay's starting quarterback for the near future - threw an interception to Derrick Barnes on a pass intended for Cade Otton. That pretty much finally iced the game for the Lions.
Well, almost. There was a bit of a controversy towards the end. In the waning moments of the game, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles decided not to call a timeout and force the Lions into a field goal attempt. It is possible - but not likely - that they miss that attempt, and that this gives Tampa Bay a very small chance at a miracle play to keep their hopes of winning alive. But Bowles allowed the time to run out - literally and figuratively - instead. Since the game ended, he has been questioned on it, and some people are criticizing him for the decision, or indecision, or whatever you want to call it.
All that aside, the Bucs played well. They got hot at the end of the season, and that was enough to earn another NFC South division title. Then they soundly beat the Eagles in the NFC Wild Card last weekend. And they played well in defeat at Detroit in the divisional round, to boot. Not a bad season. There is no reason why they would not be able to produce some solid seasons in the near future, as well.
But this game belonged to the Lions and their fans. They earn a second win in the playoffs, and now head on the road to the West Coast to take on the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, with a chance to reach another milestone. Because they are 60 good minutes of football away from reaching the first Super Bowl in franchise history.
Wow.
My pick: Accurate
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