The Detroit Lions were determined to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 NFC Championship game, and they achieved that goal with a thrilling 40-34 victory. After the painful playoff exit, the Lions needed a statement win, and they certainly delivered in a game that showcased both their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.

Goff’s Continued Greatness
Jared Goff’s performance continues to impress this season, and Monday night’s game was no exception. Goff completed an outstanding 76.5% of his passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. With this performance, Goff secured his 42nd career 300-yard game, a feat only Patrick Mahomes has matched in that span. Goff’s ability to consistently put up big numbers has been a huge asset for the Lions, and this game was another example of his leadership and precision.

Defense Steps Up After Struggling Early
The Lions’ defense came under scrutiny in the first half as they struggled to apply pressure and allowed the 49ers to accumulate big plays. It didn’t look like a defense poised for a deep playoff run, but the second half told a different story. After allowing 21 points in the first half, the Lions’ defense only gave up 14 points in the second half, with one of those touchdowns coming in garbage time in the final seconds. They made critical adjustments, including two interceptions and forcing a missed field goal. The defensive line, which had been ineffective in the first half, began to exert more pressure on quarterback Brock Purdy, recording two sacks and making life difficult for the 49ers’ offense. It was a much-needed turnaround orchestrated by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Pressure Makes the Difference
The first half of the game was especially frustrating for Lions fans, as the defense struggled to get any real pressure on Purdy, even though the 49ers were missing one of their best offensive linemen. With only six pressures in the first two quarters, it seemed like the Lions were letting a golden opportunity slip by. However, the second half was a different story. The Lions defense upped the intensity, registering 11 pressures and forcing Purdy into mistakes. The sack totals went up, and the defense began to look like a true playoff contender. This shift in momentum was critical to Detroit’s success in the second half and allowed them to hold off the 49ers’ offensive threats.

Kerby Joseph’s Determination
Kerby Joseph was determined to make his mark on this game. He initially had an interception called back due to a questionable defensive pass interference penalty by Brian Branch. However, Joseph didn’t let that setback discourage him. On the very next play, Joseph showed incredible anticipation, jumping in front of a throw from Purdy to snag his first interception of the game. But he wasn’t done yet—later in the game, he picked off another Purdy pass, bringing his season total to nine interceptions. Joseph’s ability to read the quarterback and make plays has made him a vital part of this defense, and with his All-Pro-level performance, it’s clear he’s one of the best at his position.

Myles Adams’ Impact
After being signed by the Lions following Thanksgiving, Myles Adams has quietly become a reliable asset on their defense. Though his playing time has been limited, he has consistently made the most of his opportunities, and Monday night was no different. Adams made several key plays, including a much-needed sack in the fourth quarter that helped keep the 49ers at bay. Given his consistent ability to make plays, the Lions should consider giving him more snaps as they move forward. Adams’ presence on the field has been a pleasant surprise and could prove crucial in the latter half of the season.

Lions’ Mistakes Could Have Cost Them
While the Lions came away with the win, there were moments where their discipline could have been better. Detroit’s defense was involved in a few unnecessary penalties that put them in difficult situations. One particularly costly moment came when Kerby Joseph got involved in an altercation that led to a penalty. While the play was somewhat justified and the slap might have been seen as harmless, it gave the 49ers a boost and ultimately led to a touchdown. Later, Brian Branch committed an unnecessary roughness penalty while going after a player already on the ground. This reset the downs and gave the 49ers another chance to strike. Fortunately, Joseph was able to redeem the defense by intercepting the ensuing pass, but moments like these can’t be repeated if the Lions want to make a deeper playoff run. They must clean up these mistakes and focus on maintaining their composure in critical situations.

Looking Ahead
The victory over the 49ers was a significant statement for the Detroit Lions. Not only did they get their revenge after last season’s NFC Championship loss, but they also demonstrated their potential to be a serious contender in the NFC. With a balanced offense led by Goff and a defense that is capable of stepping up when needed, the Lions have all the tools to make a deep playoff run. However, they’ll need to continue building on the positives from this game, particularly on defense, and clean up the mistakes that could have cost them. If they can do that, the Lions may just be a team to watch as the season progresses toward the postseason.