4 Lions Who Must Shine Against 49ers

Who is key to Lions' success in NFC Championship?

The Detroit Lions are one win away from reaching the Super Bowl. 

In order to reach a feat never before accomplished by the franchise, the Lions will have to knock off the juggernaut San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are built on physicality, with each boasting plenty of talented playmakers on both sides of the ball. 

As a result, it will be an evenly matched showdown. The Lions have an intangible element of grit, while the 49ers have an offensive system that is one of the toughest to stop across the league. 

Here are four players who must shine for the Lions in order for them to knock off the 49ers and earn the right to play for the Lombardi Trophy. 

Nickel cornerback Brian Branch

The Lions defense will have its hands full with San Francisco's plethora of playmakers. As a result, expect the secondary to be tested. Quarterback Brock Purdy also has an affinity for throwing over the middle, so players like Branch could be tested more often through the air. 

Working as a defender in the slot, Branch will play a key role against both the run and the pass. In the ground game, he'll be tasked with not allowing runners to get upfield in the 49ers' patented outside zone scheme.

Through the air, he will likely matchup with Deebo Samuel at points and has to slow down the all-purpose star. If Branch can generate a takeaway or make multiple tackles for loss, the Lions will be in good shape defensively. 

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs

The Lions have built their identity on their ground game, with Gibbs and David Montgomery showing no issues carrying the load. Together, they've established a solid 1-2 punch. 

In this game, Gibbs' speed will play a major factor. San Francisco boasts two exceptional linebackers with vast skill sets, but the rookie has shown to be elusive in the open field. With the ability to contribute in both the pass and run game, he can be a major factor. 

The 49ers struggled to contain Aaron Jones last week, as Jones finished with 108 yards on the ground. Gibbs is capable of similar production, as he possesses a blend of pure speed and bruising physicality. 

Detroit will lean on its running backs. Controlling time of possession is key, and if the Lions can run the ball effectively, it will be able to do just that. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown Claims 2021 Draft Class Is Holmes' Best

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill

Lions' defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn praised 49ers' quarterback Brock Purdy's ability to get the ball to his receivers quickly. As a result of this, getting pressure on the young passer quickly is pivotal. 

Plenty of attention will be on Aidan Hutchinson, so putting heat on the passer through the interior is pivotal. McNeill made huge changes to his physique in the offseason, and his abilities as a rusher will come in handy in this game. 

Additionally, with the 49ers attacking the edges on the ground, McNeill will be tested laterally. If he can plug interior lanes and force runs toward the sideline, Detroit's defense will have an easier job corralling Christian McCaffrey. 

However, if McNeill and company are unable to cut off cutback lanes, that opens up the rest of the field for McCaffrey to put pressure on the Lions' defense. With both teams boasting plenty of physicality, controlling the line of scrimmage is a must. 

Those efforts start with McNeill, who has been a standout all season long.

Wide receiver Jameson Williams

49ers cornerback Ambry Thomas has taken his lumps as a of late, particularly  struggling in man coverage. The defender has allowed a passer rating of 100.5 and allowed 5-of-5 passing last week against the Packers.

Williams has been quietly productive early in the postseason, notching two catches in each of the first two playoff games. His speed is game-changing, however, and a matchup with Thomas could be quite productive for the Lions' offense. 

The second-year wideout has yet to have a true breakout game despite showing plenty of flashes in games this season. With a favorable matchup on Sunday, he could supply the offense with the necessary jolt of electricity.