Dan Campbell and the Lions seemed well on their way to Detroit's first-ever Super Bowl berth when they took a 24-7 lead into halftime against the 49ers.
However, a plethora of second-half mistakes allowed San Francisco to come back and secure a 34-31 victory.
Campbell took responsibility for Detroit's collapse and also addressed some controversial fourth-down decision-making he made throughout the contest.
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He didn't sugarcoat the defeat and revealed that he gave a sobering message to the locker room during his post-game news conference.
"I told those guys, 'This might have been our only shot,'" Campbell told reporters.
The Lions coach went on to explain that he didn't believe that would be the case. However, he wanted them to be aware of the challenges they would face in returning to that point in future seasons.
"I know how hard it is to get here. I am well aware," Campbell said. "And it's gonna be twice as hard to get back to this point next year than it was this year. That's the reality."
The realest thing you'll hear a coach admit: #Lions HC Dan Campbell told his locker room that this might have been their only shot. Campbell obviously doesn't believe that, but he says it'll be twice as difficult next year.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 29, 2024
"You're not hiding from anyone anymore. Everyone will… pic.twitter.com/Lw82rj4djF
Campbell went on to address the myriad factors that could conspire against the Lions as they look to mount a Super Bowl run next season. He noted the increased competition that Detroit would be facing from its NFC North foes, as well as the target that will be on its back after its NFC championship run.
"Everybody in our division's gonna be loaded back up," he said. "You're not hiding from anyone anymore. Everyone's gonna want a piece of you, which is fine."
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Indeed, Campbell has a point. The Packers very nearly knocked off the 49ers and appear to have a franchise quarterback in Jordan Love. Meanwhile, the Bears have two top-10 draft picks and already challenged the Lions in their two meetings this season, posting a 1-1 record and nearly going 2-0.
So, while the Lions might be better, their opponents will be, too. Detroit will also have to avoid becoming complacent after enjoying such a successful season, as Campbell noted.
If we don't have the same hunger, the same work — which is a whole [other] thing — once we get to the offseason, then we got no shot at getting back here. I don't care how much better we get or what we add or what we draft. It's irrelevant. It's gonna be tough.
Additionally, the Lions could see some turnover on the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a candidate for the Commanders' coaching vacancy, and if he gets that, Detroit will have to address that hole — and potentially others if Johnson takes some of the team's staff with him.
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Despite all of this, Campbell is keeping a positive attitude, as he has throughout his three-year tenure with the Lions.
Still, as he reflected on the defeat, he couldn't help but lament the team's collapse.
"It's hard," he said. "You want to make the most of every opportunity and we had the opportunity. We just couldn't close it out."
