The next time the Detroit Lions take the field, a trip to the Super Bowl will be on the line.
After knocking off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round Sunday, the Lions are one of the final four teams standing in pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy.
Penei Sewell was the team’s highest-graded player by Pro Football Focus, earning a 94.1 overall offensive grade. He allowed just one pressure in Sunday’s game.
Detroit got plenty of strong performances in Sunday’s game, including a gritty showing from center Frank Ragnow. After appearing to get rolled up on during one second quarter play, Ragnow stayed in the game and allowed just one pressure on 44 total pass-rush snaps.
Defensively, the Lions were able to generate pressure with unique blitz packages against Tampa Bay’s offensive line. Ifeatu Melifonwu tallied 1.5 sacks, while Brian Branch had one sack and two tackles for loss.
Aidan Hutchinson also continued his hot stretch, notching a sack for the fourth consecutive game.
The Lions defense also generated two takeaways, as both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Derrick Barnes recorded interceptions. Gardner-Johnson’s came on the first defensive drive of the game, while Barnes sealed the win with his pick in the fourth quarter.
Detroit will now travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Sunday and the game will be televised on FOX.