Detroit Lions: Jim Harbaugh and 5 Reasons Lions Want to See San Francisco Again

The Detroit Lions were knocked off of their early season throne by the San Francisco 49ers in NFL Week 6. The 49ers played a helluva game and stopped the Lions from reaching 6-0.

This game, especially the confrontation between head coaches Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz during the post-game handshake, sparked a rivalry between the two sides.

The 49ers may have come up on top this time, but they do not want to face the Lions anytime in the near future.

This game has playoff implications written all over it. With each team now 5-1, there's a good chance that fans may get to see a rematch in this year's NFL playoffs. This is a battle all football fans want to see because it has an old-school NFL "blood and guts" feel to it.

Time will only tell if these teams will get to meet in the playoffs. Until then, fans can only fantasize about this potential playoff duel. One thing is for sure, the Lions can't wait to strike revenge.

No. 5: Jason Hanson Won't Miss Again

Detroit Lions field-goal kicker and future Hall of Famer Jason Hanson missed a 52-yard field-goal attempt in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. He did end up 2-of-3 on the day, but that miss won't sit right with Hanson. If these teams are to meet in the NFL Playoffs, Hanson won't miss again.

Hanson had plenty of leg on the ball, he just missed a touch to the right of the goal post. He's the all-time NFL leader with 48 field goals of 50-plus yards. That was his first miss of the entire season, as he is now 13-of-14 on the season.

Hanson is an all-time member of the Lions and he takes pride in his job.

No. 4: Calvin Johnson Will Find Pay Dirt

The San Francisco 49ers did something in Week 6 that no other NFL team has yet to do in the 2011 season. They didn't allow Calvin Johnson to score a touchdown.

Johnson, who had nine touchdowns in five games coming in was held without a score in Week 6. The receiver did have an impressive game with seven catches for 113 yards though.

If and when these two teams duke it out in the playoffs, fans should expect MegaTron to score at least twice. He's too good not to, and the Week 6 loss should leave a sour taste in his mouth.

No. 3: The Detroit Lions Running Game Will Improve

The Detroit Lions have a running game that sticks out like a sore thumb right now. The team had a breakout game in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears, running for a season high 181 yards but were held to just 66 against the 49ers defense in Week 6.

The 49ers run defense deserves credit, they are in the top-tier of the NFL. The Lions have to find a way to run the ball, against any opponent. By the time the playoffs roll around, the Lions should have found a way to produce positive results on the ground.

The Lions ran 55 passing plays to just 18 rushing plays against the 49ers. Once the team finds a more balanced attack on offense, they may be unstoppable. This doesn't bode well for the 49ers if there is in fact a rematch in the playoffs.

No. 2: The Lions Defense Will Begin to Take Pride in Stopping the Run

The Detroit Lions have a defensive line that runs nine deep. Dubbed the "Silver Crush," the members of the Lions line have been somewhat a letdown to this point.

This is mainly because of their inability to stop opponents rushing attacks. The Lions were manhandled by the San Francisco 49ers up front in Week 6. The 49ers ran for 203 yards against the highly touted "Silver Crush."

The Lions are now ranked 26th against the rush. The shellacking by the 49ers should be a wake up call to the Lions defense. One has to earn their stripes in the NFL, they aren't handed over like candy.

Expect to see the Lions defense play with a chip on their shoulder and be much better from here on out. If the Lions and the 49ers meet in the playoffs, don't expect the 49ers to be get anywhere near 203 yards on the ground again. The Lions defense will cut that number in half.

No. 1: Revenge on Jim Harbaugh

For whatever reason, San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh did a great job of pissing off Lions head coach Jim Schwartz after their Week 6 meeting.

Harbaugh's handshake was not to Schwartz's liking as it sent the Lions coach in a tirade down the field after Harbaugh.

Schwartz has to be careful here, he's been known to openly cheer and mock opposing players in the past. Maybe he'll look in hindsight and decide to calm down just a touch. Maybe he'll channel his inner-anger into making sure his team gets a chance to face the 49ers in the playoffs.

After all, that's where the Lions will get revenge on the 49ers. Hit'em where it hurts—the playoffs.

Lions fans love Schwartz and the mentality he's brought to his team. It's hard not to love anyone who makes one forget about the dreaded Matt Millen era. Maybe Schwartz's post game fireworks was a message to his team that they won't take mess from anyone at anytime.

Expect the Lions to be cold and calculated the rest of the season in hopes of a rematch with the 49ers.