Former Cal star Jared Goff leads Lions to 2 TD passes, advance to NFC title game against SF 49ers

The Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23, advancing to the NFC championship for the first time in 32 years.

The Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23 in the divisional-round playoff game on Sunday, propelling the franchise into the NFC championship for the first time in 32 years and just the second time in franchise history. The Lions' victory marks the first time since 1957 that they have won two playoff games in a season. They will play at San Francisco, the NFC's top seed, next Sunday for a spot in the Super Bowl. Detroit coach Dan Campbell expressed his excitement about the team's success, stating that he envisioned the Lions having a chance to compete with the best teams, and that's where they are at now.

Jared Goff threw two touchdown passes, leading the Lions to a hard-fought victory. Jahmyr Gibbs ran for a tiebreaking, 31-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and Goff secured a two-touchdown lead with a 9-yard score to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Baker Mayfield threw three touchdown passes for Tampa Bay, but Detroit's defense stepped up when it mattered most, with linebacker Derrick Barnes intercepting Mayfield's pass over the middle to seal the win for the Lions.

Goff finished the game with 30 of 43 for 287 yards, and directed an efficient second-half offense for the Lions. St. Brown had eight catches for 77 yards, and his touchdown catch capped a masterful 10-play, 89-yard drive. Gibbs, a talented rookie, had 74 yards rushing on nine carries and four receptions for 40 yards.

The Lions and their fans are hoping that their second appearance in the NFC title game will result in a different outcome than the first, when they were routed by Washington in 1992. The team is optimistic about their chances and is looking forward to the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Super Bowl.

Share With Others