Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers Deliver Entertaining Affair in Week 17
Winner: Jared Goff, Lions
Goff continued his fine form outside of a dome environment. With the positive Levi’s Stadium weather, Goff moved the ball steadily, completing 26 of 34 passes for 303 yards, three touchdowns, and no picks. He was only sacked twice by Nick Bosa. Though the 49ers fielded an injury-ravaged defense, their lineup still came out with a point to prove. Goff handled the pressure well after falling just short last season. Now he’ll need to continue his excellent campaign at home against Minnesota.
Winner: Kerby Joseph, Lions
As aforementioned, the tide turned in the second half when the first turnover was forced. Both turnovers of the game belonged to Purdy, and it was Lions star Joseph who hauled in both. Joseph brought in his eighth and ninth interceptions of the season, making it 17 total since the 2022 season. He leads the league within that span, with the next closest defender being three picks away. Both of Joseph’s picks were pretty simple, as Purdy overthrew the first one then underthrew the second.
Winner: Lions’ Late Conversions
Detroit loved converting its touchdowns late. Out of its five touchdowns on the night, four came on third downs and the other on a 4th-and-goal. Perhaps the 49ers should’ve done better in ending drives, but that has been a recurring issue under first-year defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, whether the conversions resulted in a touchdown or just a first down. Detroit went 9 of 14 on third downs and 2 of 3 on fourth downs on the night.
Loser: Jake Moody, 49ers
Right after head coach Kyle Shanahan publicly backed Moody as his kicker, the sophomore third-round pick did not return the favor. Moody’s rough second season persisted under the lights, where he missed from 51 yards, 58 then later an extra point that would’ve made the score 40-35. His ensuing onside kick also went straight out of bounds. Moody left seven points on the board. Detroit won by six. At some point, the 49ers need to strongly consider moving on. He’s cost the team quite a bit already, and with the margins needing to be in San Francisco’s favor next season, a new kicker should be a priority.
Loser: Kyle Shanahan, 49ers
One of Shanahan’s biggest problems has been inconsistency, and that has exacerbated this season due to the number of injuries the team has faced. Several times this season, the 49ers have illustrated they can be the dominant past version of themselves. But then they completely flip and become a shell of that, unable to assemble a complete game. Some of those woes showed again tonight. The offense hummed more through the air than it did all year, with the lack of Ricky Pearsall usage also coming to the forefront. Pearsall had a positive start after returning from being shot in the chest, then was barely targeted and dialogues emerged on whether the rookie first-round pick was a bad pick. Pearsall proved that isn’t the case, as he broke out for eight catches on 10 targets for 141 yards and a score. Given Shanahan’s history with early draft picks, Pearsall is one talent the head coach cannot afford to fumble.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers delivered an entertaining affair in Week 17, with the Lions emerging victorious 40-34. Jared Goff continued his fine form, while Kerby Joseph hauled in two interceptions. The Lions’ late conversions were also a key factor in their win. For the 49ers, Jake Moody’s struggles continued, and Kyle Shanahan’s inconsistency was once again on display.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Detroit Lions won 40-34.
Q: Who had a strong performance for the Lions?
A: Jared Goff and Kerby Joseph were key players for the Lions, with Goff completing 26 of 34 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns, and Joseph hauling in two interceptions.
Q: What was the issue with Jake Moody for the 49ers?
A: Moody missed several kicks, including a 51-yard field goal and an extra point, and also had an onside kick go out of bounds.
Q: What was the problem with Kyle Shanahan’s coaching?
A: Shanahan’s inconsistency was a major issue, as the 49ers have struggled to put together a complete game this season due to injuries and other factors.
