The Detroit Lions technically did not need to win Monday night’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, which raises the question whether head coach Dan Campbell will pull his starters at some point in this game.
But, as Campbell has shown us many times before, no matter the situation, he’s never going to give up. And after saying there would be “full force” on the West Coast this week, he meant it.
The Lions defeated the 49ers 40–34, with the starters playing on both sides of the ball throughout the game.
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi Stadium on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Imagination)
Detroit remembers well what happened at Levi Stadium in January, blowing a huge lead in the first half in the NFC Championship Game. So, there was a bit of revenge despite the 49ers being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
Jared Goff went 26 of 34 for 303 yards and three touchdowns in another stellar performance for the Lions. They got Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, but the best Lions touchdown ever was another lateral play that worked to perfection.
Earlier this season, St. Brown answered Jahmir Gibbs for a score against the Arizona Cardinals. Well, the same concept was used when St. Brown caught a quick slant from Goff, but speedy Jameson Williams came up behind him and took the ball to the house on a 41-yard run.
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At that point, it was a 14-13 game, as Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ offense were clicking well to start the game.
Purdy planned three straight touchdown drives against Detroit to open it, including a strike to Ricky Pearsall on the game’s opening drive. Then, they needed only six plays on the next drive to find Kyle Juszczyk from nine yards out, and Purdy returned a nine-yard scramble for the third touchdown that made the score 21–13.
However, the second half saw a dominance from the Lions that has been felt by many teams this season. It started with a quick opening drive that saw Laporta reach the end zone from six yards out. But, once again, the 49ers responded with a touchdown of their own, as Deebo Samuel found his way into pay dirt to take the lead 28–21.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with George Kittle (85) after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Levi Stadium. (Kyle Terada-Imagen Images)
This back-and-forth battle was only about to be derailed when one team forced the issue, and after making it 28-24 with a Jake Bates field goal, Aaron Glenn’s Lions defense did just that.
Kerby Joseph, who now leads the NFL in interceptions this season, picked off a Pew throw that passed over Pearsall’s head. And when Detroit creates turnovers, the points usually come.
Then St. Brown’s touchdown, a four-yard catch, came for the Lions, taking a 31–28 lead on fourth-and-goal. Jake Moody missed a field goal from 58 yards on the ensuing drive, followed by Joseph having another interception, giving him nine points for the year.
That interception served as the nail in the coffin, as Gibbs, who ran for 117 yards on only 18 carries, broke a 30-yard touchdown run to spark the Lions’ offensive attack.
Purdy was ultimately injured on the final 49ers drive of the game, but backup Josh Dobbs ran up the score with a scramble touchdown run to make it a 40–34 game. But Detroit recovered the onside kick attempt to keep the game alive.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jamison Williams (9) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi Stadium on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Imagination)
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Taking a closer look at the stat sheet, St. Brown led the Lions with eight receptions for 60 yards, while LaPorta finished with 64 yards on six catches.
Purdy’s performance would have been stellar if not for two interceptions, as he was 27 of 35 for 377 yards with three touchdowns. Pearsall had a game-high eight catches for 141 receiving yards, while George Kittle matched his eight receptions for 112 yards. Juwan Jennings also finished with 67 yards on seven catches.
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