Lions weren’t able to pull of the 4th quarter comeback and fell short against the 49ers 41-33. Early on the Lions were able to attack the middle of that 49ers defense of line, mixing in a well balanced rushing attack featuring Jamaal Williams as the #1 and D'andre Swift as the #2 (totally saw that coming). Realistically their initial progress was a major sign of how much of an impact 6'5, 320 pound Javon Kinlaw makes when he is on the field. The 49ers first possession ended just as quickly as it started with a fumble by Garoppolo under center. The 49ers defense settled down and started to look like that trusty 2019 super bowl, making major stands early on to halt Detroit. With that being said the 49ers defensive backs showed they needed help and with Jason Verrett tearing his ACL will hurt that DB core regardless of how many vets they bring in.
We saw Trey Lance get plugged in early, throwing for the teams first touchdown pass but the rest of the show was facilitated through captain Jimmy. He started off the game 7 for 7 and ended the game 17-25 with 314 yards and 1 touchdown pass.
The first half was everything the faithful could've asked for, leading 31 to 10 with no let up in sight. Both the Lions and 49ers scored a touchdown in the third and just when you thought it was over the Lions took whatever drug Dan Campbell is "prescribed" and surged back into the game. With less than two minutes left the 49ers led 41-17 and then the chaos ensued.
Detroit scored and went for 2, pushing them to 41-25. Then we got a classic onside kick by the Lions that bounced off the face mask of George Kittle, giving Detroit life late as they went down and scored again in seconds. San Francisco got the ball back with 1:07 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, got a false start on first down, stuffed for a 1 yard gain on second down, leaving them with a dramatic 3rd and 13 with a minute left. Garopplo was able to move around in the pocket and get it to Deboo Samuel and what should’ve been a first down and ice the game... then Detroit pulled out their best "peanut punch", giving them possession late.
When it mattered most the 49ers defense came up strong and held them. San Francisco saved themselves from a late comeback embarrassment and secured the W. The 49ers didn’t keep the same intensity as they did in the first half for that second half and it let those Lions comeback. As coach Shanahan said in the press conference he became too worried about protecting his guys rather than doing what he needs to do to win. The 49ers head to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles on the road. Let’s hope we can bring that first half energy and make up for last seasons upset.
Major Notes:
Raheem Mostert and Jason Verett are both done for the year with knee injuries.
Elijah Mitchell stepped up in a huge way going for 104 and a TD on 19 carries
Trey Sermon was a healthy scratch, and we saw a goose egg from Brandon Aiyuk
- James Parker / Upside Play
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