Lions beat 49ers as Dan Campbell’s ‘go for it’ mentality keeps starters playing the entire game
Technically, the Detroit Lions don’t need to win Monday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, which begs the question of whether head coach Dan Campbell will play his starters at some point in this game.
But, as Campbell has shown us many times in the past, he doesn’t let up no matter the situation. After saying the West Coast will be “all in” this week, he means it.
The Lions defeated the 49ers 40-34, with the starting players playing on both sides of the ball the entire game.
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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in Santa Clara, California. (picture)
Detroit clearly remembers what happened at Levi’s Stadium in January, when they jumped out to a huge lead in the first half of the NFC Championship Game. So even though the 49ers have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, there’s a bit of revenge this time around.
Jared Goff went 26-of-34 for 303 yards and three touchdowns in another solid performance for the Lions. He found Sam Laporta and Amon La St. Brown, but by far the Lions’ best touchdown was another perfect lateral play.
It was St. Brown who threw the ball to Jameer Gibbs earlier this season against the Arizona Cardinals. Well, the same concept was used when St. Brown caught Goff’s quick slash, but the speedy Jameson Williams was behind him and took it home with a 41-yard run .
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At the time, the game was 14-13, with Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense getting off to a strong start.
Purdy scored three consecutive touchdowns against Detroit to pull away, including a hit to rookie Ricky Pearsall on the opening drive of the game. He then needed just six plays on the next possession to find Kyle Juszczyk for nine yards, and the third touchdown came on Purdy’s nine-yard scramble to tie the game at 21- 13.
However, the Lions dominated the second half, something many teams have felt this season. As soon as the game started, Laporta broke quickly from six yards out and entered the end zone. But the 49ers responded with another touchdown, as Deebo Samuel managed to regain the lead at 28-21.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with tight end George Kittle (85) after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium. (Kyle Terrada – Image)
This back-and-forth battle can only be derailed when one team forces its way out, and that’s exactly what Aaron Glenn’s Lions defense did after Jake Bates’ field goal made it 28-24 done.
Kerby Joseph, who leads the NFL in interceptions this season, caught a pass from Purdy and sailed over Pearsall’s head. When Detroit forces turnovers, scoring usually follows.
At that point, St. Brown had a four-yard touchdown catch and the Lions scored on fourth down to take a 31-28 lead. On the ensuing drive, Jake Moody missed a 58-yard field goal and Joseph was intercepted, giving him nine interceptions on the year.
The interception dealt a fatal blow to the Lions’ offense, as Gibbs rushed for 117 yards on just 18 carries and added a 30-yard touchdown run to add momentum to the Lions’ offense.
Purdy ended up getting injured on the 49ers’ final drive of the game, but backup Josh Dobbs added to the score with a rushing touchdown to make it 40-34. But Detroit tried to keep the game going with an onside kick.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, Calif. touchdown. (picture)
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Taking a closer look at the stat sheet, St. Brown led the Lions with eight catches for 60 yards, while Laporta finished with six catches for 64 yards.
If it weren’t for these two interceptions, Purdy’s performance would have been outstanding. He made 27 of 35 throws, advanced 377 yards, and scored 3 touchdowns. Pearsall had eight catches for a game-high 141 yards, while George Kittle tied him with eight catches for 112 yards. Jauan Jennings also had seven catches for 67 yards.
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