Lions Defense Faces Challenges During NFC Championship Weekend

Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) and linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) walk off the field / Junfu Han / USA

The Detroit Lions were expected to host the NFC Championship game at Ford Field this weekend.

After a 15-win regular season, there was growing optimism among fans and analysts that Dan Campbell’s team would make a deep playoff run and reach their first Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, the Lions fell short of these expectations. A 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders prematurely ended what had been the most promising season in Lions history.

Several members of the Lions’ defense have publicly shared their struggles with the disappointment of missing out on NFC Championship weekend.

Lions fans have called into sports radio shows and posted online about how tough it is to watch football this weekend.

Detroit’s play-by-play announcer, Dan Miller, lost the chance to call the NFC Championship game on his birthday due to the unexpected defeat.

Instead of a lively crowd at Ford Field, the Philadelphia Eagles will be hosting the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon.

Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone took to social media on the morning of the NFC Championship game to say that he would likely spend the day on social media and wouldn’t be watching who advances to the Super Bowl from the NFC.

Anzalone posted, “Well, I guess today’s a good day for no social and tv.”

Cornerback Amik Robertson was asked if he planned to watch on Sunday afternoon. The skilled defensive back simply replied that he would not be tuning in.

Terrion Arnold also shared a video on social media, expressing his heartbreak over how quickly the Lions’ season came to an end.