San Francisco 49ers (6-10) – Detroit Lions (14-2): 34-40
Offensive orgy at the end of the penultimate week of the regular season. The two teams went blow for blow, but as is often the case this season when it comes to shining in an offensive festival, it is always the Lions attack which takes the upper hand.
Led by Jared Goff (26/34, 303 yards, 3TD), still as effective as ever, and an unstoppable Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit made the difference at the end of the 3rd quarter. With disconcerting efficiency and without making any mistakes, they scored points on 7 of their 8 possessions. With a 5th game at 40 points and no loss of the ball this season, the Lions set a new record in the league.
Forgotten defenses
There was no need to be late at Levi's Stadium, the two teams did not need an observation round or any running-in. The first five possessions ended in touchdowns. Ricky Paersall for San Francisco and Jameson Williams for Detroit are on fire, and roaming the opposing field.
The yards keep coming on both sides and the defenses have no solution. And the second act is no different. More than 900 cumulative yards, 10 touchdowns and no punts, unheard of since 1937.
San Francisco stalls
But without a defense capable of slowing down the Lions a little, few attacks can keep up the pace for an entire match. The changeover takes place in the 3rd quarter. Purdy is intercepted by Joseph. Immediate sanction, with Amon Ra St Brown at the conclusion a few games later to give his team the advantage. An advantage that they will never let go of.
Goff continues to provide and Gibbs does the rest with a 30-yard run to make the break after another interception by Purdy. The quarterback leaves at the end of the match after a sack, leaving Joshua Dobbs to score a final touchdown for the honor but which does not change anything in the Lions' 14th success. Detroit now has a meeting with its rival Minnesota in the final week to compete for 1st place in the NFC conference, synonymous with a week off.
