Heroes, zeros from the 49ers’ NFC Championship win over the Lions.
Hero
Brock Purdy went 20-for-31 passing for 267 yards, a touchdown and one interception.
But he also made contributions on the ground with five carries for 48 yards, including a 21-yard scramble on the 49ers’ final scoring drive.
Christian McCaffrey scores during the 49ers’ NFC Championship win over the Lions on Jan. 29, 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Unsung hero
Christian McCaffrey was steady and productive, running the ball 20 times for 90 yards and two scores, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
His 25-yard run in the fourth quarter set up Elijah Mitchell for what proved to be the game-winning score.
Zero
It was a rough one for Lions coach Dan Campbell, who had two fourth-down fails, particularly electing not to kick a field goal to tie the score in the fourth quarter.
The other was going for it on fourth-and-2 from the 49ers’ 28-yard line in the third.
San Francisco was in the end zone five plays later to cut into Detroit’s lead.
Number to know
5: Consecutive possessions San Francisco scored on to start the second half, jump-starting a comeback after trailing 24-7 at halftime.
