The Lions took down the 49ers as Dan Campbell's 'full throttle' mentality saw the starters play the entire game
The Detroit Lions technically didn't need to win Monday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers, begging the question of whether head coach Dan Campbell will pull his players at some point in the game.
But, as Campbell has shown many times in the past, he will never give in no matter what the situation. And after saying it would be “full throttle” on the West Coast this week, he meant it.
The Lions defeated the 49ers, 40-34, where they played the entire game on both sides.
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) passes the San Francisco 49ers in the first half at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Monday, December 30, 2024. (MAGN)
Detroit remembers well what happened in January at Levi's Stadium, scoring a touchdown in the first half of the NFC Championship Game. So, there was a bit of revenge this time around despite the 49ers being statistically eliminated from playoff contention.
Jared Goff passed for three touchdowns, going 26-of-34 for 303 yards in another impressive performance for the Lions. He got Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown, but the lion's leading touchdown was another sideline play that worked to perfection.
Earlier this season, it was St. Brown running back Jahmyr Gibbs for a score against the Arizona Cardinals. However, the same concept was used as St. Brown caught a quick slate from Goff, but the 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 clicked well to start the game.
Purdy orchestrated three straight touchdown drives against Detroit to open it, including a record-breaking strike on Ricky Pearsall on the opening drive of the game. After that, he needed just six plays on the next drive to find Kyle Juszczyk from nine yards out, and the third touchdown was Purdy's nine-yard scamper to make it 21-13.
However, the second half saw the dominance of the Lions, which many teams have heard this season. It started with a quick opening drive that saw LaPorta get into 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 to foul play to regain the lead, 28-21.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with tight end George Kittle (85) after making a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. (Photos by Kyle Terada-Imagn)
This back-and-forth battle was only going to fall apart when one team forced the issue, and that's exactly what Aaron Glenn's Lions defense did after making it 28-24 on a Jake Bates field goal.
Kerby Joseph, who now leads the NFL in interceptions this season, deflected a Purdy throw that went over Pearsall's head. And when Detroit creates turnovers, points often follow.
That's when the touchdown for St. Brown, who caught it by 4 yards, got to the Lions, who came out on fourth down and led 31-28. The next drive saw a missed field goal by Jake Moody from 58 yards out, followed by another by Joseph, giving him nine for the year.
That interception led to a nail in the coffin, as Gibbs, who rushed for 117 yards on just 18 carries, broke off a 30-yard touchdown to add to the Lions' offense.
Purdy ended up being injured on the 49ers' final drive of the game, but backup Josh Dobbs added to the drink with a scramble touchdown run to make it a 40-34 game. But the onside kick attempt to keep the game alive was recovered by Detroit.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Monday, December 30, 2024. (MAGN)
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Looking 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 would have been more efficient if not for these two passes, as he was 27-for-35 for 377 yards with three touchdowns. Pearsall had a game-high 141 receiving yards on eight catches, while George Kittle matched his eight receptions for 112 yards. Jauan Jennings also finished with 67 yards on seven catches.
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