The Detroit Lions technically didn't need to win Monday night's matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, but it did raise questions about whether head coach Dan Campbell would pull his starters at some point in this game. .
But as Campbell has shown time and time again, no matter the situation, he never gives up. When he said the West Coast would be “full throttle” this week, he meant it.
The Lions defeated the 49ers 40-34, with the starting pitchers playing on both sides of the ball throughout the game.
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, 16, passes during the first half of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Imagination)
Detroit remembers well what happened at Levi's Stadium in the NFC Championship Game in January, when they blew a massive first-half lead. So even though the 49ers were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, there was a bit of revenge in this game.
Jared Goff had another great performance for the Lions, completing three touchdown passes and going 26-of-34 for 303 yards. He found Sam Laporta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, but by far the best Lions touchdown was another lateral play that worked perfectly.
Earlier this season, St. Brown gave back to Jahmil Gibbs with a score against the Arizona Cardinals. Now, the same concept was used when St. Brown caught Goff's fast slant, but the speedy Jameson Williams got behind him and brought the ball home on a 41-yard run.
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At that point, the game was 14-13, and Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense were on track to start this game.
Purdy started the game against Detroit with three straight touchdown drives, including a strike to rookie Ricky Pearsall on the opening drive. They then found Kyle Juszczyk from nine yards out in just six plays on their next drive, and the third touchdown came on a nine-yard scramble by Purdy to make it 21-13.
However, the second half showed the Lions' dominance that many teams have felt this season. It started with a quick opening drive by LaPorta into the end zone from six yards out. But the 49ers responded with another touchdown, as Deebo Samuel got a nice run into pay dirt and regained the lead at 28-21.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, 13, celebrates with tight end George Kittle, 85, after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. . (Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
This back-and-forth battle only went off the rails when one team forced the issue. That's exactly what Aaron Glenn's Lions defense did after Jake Bates' field goal made it 28-24.
Kirby Joseph, who leads the NFL in interceptions this season, picked off Purdy's throw and sent it over Pearsall's head. And when Detroit creates turnovers, scoring usually follows.
That's when St. Brown's touchdown, a 4-yard catch, came for the Lions, who scored it on fourth-and-goal to take a 31-28 lead. On the ensuing drive, Jake Moody missed a field goal from 58 yards out, followed by an interception by Joseph, giving him nine points on the year.
The interception was the clincher, and Gibbs, who rushed for 117 yards on just 18 carries, broke up a 30-yard touchdown run and added to the Lions' offensive onslaught.
Purdy was ultimately injured on the final 49ers drive of the game, but backup Josh Dobbs added a score with a scrambled touchdown run to make the game 40-34. However, an onside kick attempt to keep the game alive was recovered by Detroit.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, 9, runs for a touchdown during the first half of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (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 had six catches for 64 yards.
Purdy would have had a great performance if not for his two interceptions. He completed 27 of 35 for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Pearsall had a game-high 141 receiving yards on eight catches, and George Kittle also had eight catches for 112 yards. Jauan Jennings also had seven catches for 67 yards.
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