The Detroit Lions improved to 14-2 with a victory over the San Francisco 49ers last night, as Detroit used a second half comeback behind two defensive takeaways to seal the road win. 

All five of the game’s first offense possessions led to touchdowns on drives longer than six plays and 60 yards. The 49ers started it off with a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy to receiver Ricky Pearsall, but the Lions would march down and answer with similar three-yard score via a run by receiver Jameson Williams. A blocked extra point and a second touchdown pass from Purdy to fullback Kyle Juszczyk would make the game 13-6 in the early second quarter.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson then dug into his famous bag of tricks, as a pass from quarterback Jared Goff to receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown would lead to a lateral to Williams and a 41-yard run down the sideline to the endzone. The Lions defense would still struggle, as a deep pass to Pearsall would set up a nine-yard rushing score by Purdy. 

Detroit would return to work on offense and march down inside the 10-yard-line; however, they would be turned away on a key pass break-up intended for tight end Sam LaPorta on fourth down. The Lions would catch a break on a 49ers missed field goal from Moody, leaving the score 21-13 at the half.

The Lions used a 10-play, 66-yard drive out of the half to tie the game on a six-yard redemption pass from Goff to LaPorta. They would throw to receiver Tim Patrick on a crossing route on the ensuing two-point try. San Francisco would put together a drive of their own, taking the lead back on a gadget pass to receiver Deebo Samuel. The Lions’ following drive would stall out on the 49er 39-yard line, but Jake Bates would knock down a 57-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 28-24.

Detroit’s defense would make a huge response on the next three drives. Pressure on Purdy would lead to two interceptions by Kerby Joseph and a second missed field goal from Moody. The offense would pounce, scoring a field goal, a short passing touchdown to St. Brown, and a long scamper for 6 by running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions would jump to a 40-28 lead late in the fourth.

While the 49ers would answer on a seven-yard run from quarterback Josh Dobbs, who entered the game for an injured Purdy, a missed extra point and bad onside kick attempt would seal the win for Detroit.

Goff finished the game 26 of 34 passing for 303 yards and three touchdowns, including an impressive 132.4 quarterback rating (QBR). Gibbs tallied 117 rushing yards and 46 receiving yards on 22 touches. Williams led pass catchers with 77 yards on five catches, while St. Brown led with eight catches for 60 yards. LaPorta also added six catches for 64 yards. The leading Lions tackler was linebacker Jack Campbell with nine total, with defensive back Brian Branch adding seven and a sack. Safety Kerby Joseph also add two interceptions.

Purdy paced the 49er passing attack on 27 of 35 completions, 377 yards, and three touchdowns. Pearsall led receivers with eight grabs and 141 yards, followed by tight end George Kittle with eight catches for 112. Running back Isaac Guarino carried nine times for 34 yards. Defensive back Demmodore Lenoir led with nine tackles while defensive end Nick Bosa got two sacks.

The Lions improve to 14-2 and will face the 14-2 Vikings on Sunday Night Football on Jan. 5 at 8:20 P.M. Stakes of the game couldn’t be higher, as the winner will earn the NFC’s top seed, a bye week, and home field advantage for the playoffs. Coverage from Ford Field will begin at 7:15 P.M. on WBRN via 1460 AM and 96.5 FM.