By Roy J. Akers-www.skyviewsports.net
Despite a defense that could not stop San Francisco outside of two Kerby Joseph interceptions, the offense scored 27 second-half points and escaped San Francisco 40-34 and Detroit moves to 14-2 on the 2024 season. Lions’ fans have heard for the umpteenth time the team is shorthanded as they have lost over a dozen players to the IL. Still, it was coaching by 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan who created mismatches using misdirection and play action and gave an undermanned unit a jolt. Ricky Pearsall was outstanding for San Francisco. The Lions’ fortunes changed when Kerby Joseph intercepted two Brock Purdy passes in the second half and Detroit used them to score ten points.
Favorite Plays
- The Hook and Ladder Jameson Williams 42 Yd pass play from Jared Goff after the pitch from Amon-Ra. St. Brown. This brought Detroit to cutting the 49ers lead to one.
- The second half run by Jahmyr Gibbson a 30 Yd Rush.
- The first Kerby Joseph interception. This was huge. Detroit finally stops the 49ers. The eventual score by the offense gave Detroit their first lead of the game. Without this Brock Purdy mistake, it might have been a different game.
It is very strange to see one team…
getting the spoils for a victory in this week’s Lions-Vikings game. The winner gets the number one seed in the NFC and home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The loser, gets the 5th seed, a wildcard playoff game, and will play on the road for any playoff games they play. Bet that gets changed at some point.
Outstanding Performances
Jared Goff played an outstanding football game against the 49ers and he will have to do the same against Minnesota at home on Sunday as the Vikings also have a high-powered offense. Goff’s 3 TD were huge. Nick Bosa man-handled the offensive line and the Vikings will most likely shift players around to create mismatches.
2023 Draft showed two top picks playing very well.
Many people thought Jack Campbell was taken too early in 2023 as he was seen by many NFL teams as a late second-round pick. Campbell led the Lions with nine tackles against SF and was all over the field. Brian Branch had seven total tackles, a sack and a QB hit. He just made his first Pro Bowl.
Jake Bates… your killing me
Jake made two field goals including one from 57 yards. He missed two extra points and for some reason, he looked sketchy during the game.
Dan Campbell on what is at stake
Lions storyline to watch: Becoming the NFC’s No. 1 seed has been a goal in Detroit since the Lions fell short in the 2023 NFC Championship Game to San Francisco. Campbell sees it “right here in our hands” against Minnesota as a victory in Week 18 would secure that. Detroit wants to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs to chase its ultimate goal. “We all know what the prize is and that’s a Super Bowl,” Campbell said Wednesday. “You try to set yourself up the best you can and that’s why you put those goals out there.”
Minnesota Vikings: They said it this week
Former Lion TJ Hockenson “Injuries happen in this game and in this league,” Hockenson said. “I’m excited to play ‘em for sure, and I’m excited to be out there with the boys this time around and be able to make an impact that way, but nothing like that really goes in your head.
“You gotta just let that kind of stuff go and realize it’s football and it’s just another game.”
NBC’s Jason Garrett on the Vikings
“Minnesota is the most underappreciated 14-win team in the NFL. They just win every week and the Sam Darnold story is off the charts.” – Jason Garrett on the 14-2 Vikings
“It’s a huge game, but it’s another game,” said Hockenson’s fellow tight end Josh Oliver. “I think it’s the same thing to [Hockenson]. He’s played in a lot of big games, made a lot of big plays.”
A factoid that may interest only me
Lions have five games this season with 40 points and 0 turnovers, a first in NFL history
