Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has no plans to hold back on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers—the team that dashed their Super Bowl hopes last season. While the 49ers are battered and out of playoff contention, the Lions remain firmly in the hunt for the NFC's top seed.
Still, the memory of last season's heartbreaking NFC Championship Game loss to San Francisco likely lingers in Campbell's mind.
"I'll make this easy for everybody that way all the critics can jump out and start attacking, but that way you don't have to debate them anymore," Campbell said via the Detroit Free Press. "We're bringing everything we got to this game and we are playing, I don't care what it looks like and where it's at and who's this, who's that. We're going out to play and win this game, out on the West Coast. So there you go."
The 49ers enter this matchup reeling, dropping two consecutive games and five of their last six. With a 6-9 record, they are now playing for pride and momentum heading into the offseason.
Injuries have played a significant role in San Francisco's struggles this season. The team has been without several key players, including a decimated running back room. The 49ers are without last season's NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey. Quarterback Brock Purdy has also been without his top target from last season, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Meanwhile, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams has missed five straight games and won't play again this season.
Purdy will face the Lions' fierce pass rush behind an injury-riddled offensive line. Against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, left tackle Jaylon Moore, filling in for Williams, sustained a quad injury, while left guard Aaron Banks suffered an MCL sprain. Neither will be available for the final two games of the season.
"We know what we're getting ready to walk into and we know we have to win," Campbell said. "We have to win, and it's onto the next one."
The 49ers and Lions are set to kick off at Levi's Stadium on Monday night at 5:15 p.m.
H/t to NBC Sports Bay Area for the find.