The San Francisco 49ers stormed back from a steep 17-point deficit to defeat the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.
It may not have been easy, but Kyle Shanahan and the Niners are heading back to the Super Bowl where they’ll seek revenge against Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Shanahan has always been very confident in his team. But perhaps never more confident than he was this past Sunday against those pesky Lions.
Microphones from “Inside the NFL” captured a candid exchange between Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, moments before the crucial game kicked off.
“See you on stage, man,” Shanahan confidently told Lynch.
“See you on stage man” ~ Kyle Shanahan to Lynch before the NFC Championship
🔥🔥🔥
🎥~>@NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/WU7wxCgZAB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 31, 2024
Despite the Cinderella team narrative surrounding Dan Campbell’s Lions, who dominated the first half, the 49ers orchestrated a historic comeback to clinch their eighth NFC championship with a final score of 34-31.
Absolutely, Kyle Shanahan always brings his A-game! It's hard not to love it. Really impressive work from Kyle Shanahan!
— Ali_Haider (@AliHaider929) January 31, 2024
The pivotal moment occurred midway through the third quarter when the Lions opted to go for it on a fourth-and-2 from the 49ers 28-yard line.
Failing to convert, the decision shifted the momentum and altered the complexion of the game entirely in favor of the resilient 49ers.
Quarterback Brock Purdy emerged as a key player in the second-half turnaround, completing 20 of 31 passes for 267 yards, including a crucial touchdown, and showcasing his impressive wheels with 52 yards rushing.
Kyle tired of all the narratives about him not winning the big one. That mentality “see you on stage” is that hes gonna do anything to bring that ‘ship back to the bay!
— JayCosmo 🛸💨 (@JaysonCosmo) January 31, 2024
As the 49ers gear up for the Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City, Shanahan’s team sure won’t be lacking confidence.
Speaking of Shanahan, where do you rank him among the top coaches in football?
What’s your prediction for the game?
Will Shanahan hoist his first ever Lombardi Trophy?
Or will the Chiefs go back-to-back and win yet another Super Bowl???
Great @NFLFilms footage of @Broncos 25 yrs ago winning SB XXXIII. Future @NFL HOF Coach Mike Shanahan caught yelling at me with his son now @49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on the sideline & my son @CMC_22 in the stands. WTH?!? 🔥 the 🎞️📽️ pic.twitter.com/auokTpNhKs
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) January 31, 2024