NFC North Buzz: Lions, Goff out to tame 49ers; Packers ‘coming with purpose’, plus Bears, Vikings news.
The Detroit Lions want to pull off an upset against the San Francisco 49ers. NFL Mocks also looks at the rest of the NFC North, including buzz and mock draft speculation surrounding the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings.
Can the Detroit Lions upset the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game? If this happens, Jared Goff may be held accountable.We also take a look at what’s happening in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings.
Let’s start with the NFC Championship Game, where the Lions are hoping to pull off a road upset over the great 49ers. To succeed, the defense must ball out, while Goff must demonstrate patience and a competitive edge, something Lions head coach Dan Campbell regards as an asset for his quarterback.
“I found out how competitive he was the first spring we had him out here in the seven-on-seven when it was raining, against our defense,” Campbell said Friday, according to the team’s website. “And that’s when I thought, ‘Wow, okay. That’s fantastic to see.
“And just watching him throw the football and tight window throws and it was heated. And he was not going to lose that day and he just got better and better and better, and his confidence was at an all-time high. So, you may not always see it outwardly, but believe me, he’s very competitive. And you can’t play the way he’s played if you’re not competitive.”
Lions vs 49ers: Jared Goff has a test ahead against 49ers defense
Goff showed that competitive edge in the Divisional round by leading the Lions to three consecutive touchdown drives against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the 49ers defense with Nick Bosa and Chase Young coming off the edge and dominant linebackers like Fred Warner looking to disrupt things.
Despite Goff’s playoff experience and Super Bowl appearance, he will face a hostile environment on Sunday against a club eager to scare him. It will be crucial early that Goff and the Lions offense establish a rhythm early to gain confidence. It will also be critical that the squad does not fall behind quickly.
Goff is at his best when he does not have to drop back and pass constantly. This would also allow the 49ers defense to tee off on the seasoned quarterback, limiting the Lions’ chances in this game.
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