Free Press columnist Carlos Monarrez tackles three tough questions after the Detroit Lions’ 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.:

How bad is this loss?

Let me be clear. It will go down as the worst meltdown in Lions history. After an incredible and inspiring first half, which saw the Lions take a 24-7 lead with outstanding play on offense and defense, it all blew up quickly in the third quarter. Brandon Aiyuk made an incredible 51-yard catch after Kindle Vildor’s near interception on a deep pass. Jahmyr Gibbs’ fumble on the very next offensive play was another dagger and the Niners went on a 27-0 run in the second half. The Lions couldn’t run, couldn’t pass, couldn’t protect Jared Goff and couldn’t catch the ball, with two key drops by Josh Reynolds. The defense suddenly had no answer for a scrambling Brock Purdy and an electric Christian McCaffrey. So you can forget about Calvin Johnson’s "complete the process" non-catch or the "10-second runoff" against the Falcons or Justin Tucker's "66-yard field goal." This is it. Even though the Lions had a wonderful, inspired season for the ages, it ended with the most painful meltdown possible.

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How dominant were the Lions in the first half?

From the outset, when the Lions started the game on offense, they looked unbeatable and unanswerable, while the 49ers looked like a boxer who was stunned with an early punch in the face. The Lions went 75 yards on four plays in 1:42, capped by a 42-yard Jameson Williams run. The Niners answered with Jake Moody’s missed field goal from 48 yards. Then the Lions proceeded to score on three of their next four drives. The Lions’ defense held up its end, too, stifling the Niners’ run and pass game. Malcolm Rodriguez, subbing for an injured Derrick Barnes, got an interception and the defense held the Niners to 131 yards in the first two quarters. The Lions took a 24-7 lead into halftime, but they also took more than that. They took the life out of Levi’s Stadium.

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What did you think of the failed fourth-and-2?

It will be the decision that’s the most scrutinized from this game, and rightly so. But let’s not forget three things about Dan Campbell’s decision to go for it from the Niners’ 28-yard line in the third quarter while leading, 24-10. 1. The Niners weren’t doing much to stop the Lions to this point in the game. 2. Campbell has been aggressive all season long after crossing midfield. 2. It would have been a 46-yard field goal, which was no sure thing for Michael Badgley, who had missed two extra-point attempts this season. The Niners’ scoring drive on their next possession hurt, as did Jahmyr Gibbs’ fumble, but that didn’t occur because of Campbell’s decision to be who he has been all season long.

Contact Carlos Monarrez: cmonarrez@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions' loss to San Francisco 49ers is franchise's worst loss