The San Francisco 49ers earned their spot in Super Bowl LVIII after a hard-fought victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship game. The Lions put up a strong fight, particularly in the first half, forcing the 49ers into a dramatic comeback at Levi’s Stadium. This win was a continuation of the Lions’ tough playoff run, as they had narrowly defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional playoffs by just eight points, leaving both teams on a razor’s edge heading into the championship.
In the days leading up to the NFC Championship, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his concerns about the potential matchup with the Buccaneers. Shanahan praised Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield, calling him a “stud” and acknowledging that Mayfield had been playing at an elite level in 2023. Shanahan was particularly impressed by Mayfield’s consistency and how he had managed to elevate his game throughout the season, which made the 49ers wary of facing the Buccaneers in the postseason.
San Francisco had already faced Mayfield and Tampa Bay earlier in the 2023 season, in a Week 11 matchup. The 49ers won 27-14, but Mayfield still showed his skill. Although his stats were modest—246 yards, one touchdown, and one interception—he made several impressive throws that suggested he could be even more dangerous in a stronger offensive system. Shanahan had recognized that Mayfield’s potential could cause problems for any team, and that game served as a reminder of his capability.
Under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen, the Buccaneers have been able to get the most out of Mayfield, even in difficult circumstances. Despite playing without his top two wide receivers for a stretch, Mayfield continued to shine, particularly in a Week 9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He completed 23-of-31 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, a performance that cemented his status as a quarterback capable of leading a successful offense, regardless of the challenges he faced.
Now, as the 49ers prepare to face the Buccaneers in Week 10, the stakes are higher than ever. With their playoff hopes at risk, Shanahan’s earlier concerns about Mayfield have come to the forefront. The game against Tampa Bay is now a pivotal moment for the 49ers, who will need to overcome a red-hot quarterback and a capable offense to stay on track for their Super Bowl aspirations. The outcome of this game will have significant implications for their future chances at glory.
