Lions beat 49ers as Dan Campbell’s ‘full throttle’ mentality sees starters play all game

The Detroit Lions technically not needed to win Monday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Dan Campbell questioned whether he would start at some point in that game.

But as Campbell has shown us time and again in the past, he will never give up, no matter the situation. And after saying it would be “full throttle” on the West Coast this week, he meant it.

The lions fell to the ground 49’s40-34, where the starters played all game long on both sides of the ball.

CLICK HERE FOR SPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi’s Stadium, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in Santa Clara, California. (IMAGIN)

Detroit remembers well what happened at Levi’s Stadium in January, when it blew a huge lead in the first half of the NFC Championship Game. So even though the 49ers were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, there was a bit of revenge involved.

Jared Goff went 26-of-34 for 303 yards and three touchdowns in another stellar performance for the Lions. He is Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. He found Brown, but the best Lions touchdown to date was another lateral play to perfection.

Earlier this season, St. Brown returned it to Jahmyr Gibbs for a score against a rival. Arizona Cardinals. Well, the same concept was used as St. Brown intercepted Goff’s quick slant, but the speedy Jameson Williams got behind him and took the ball to the house on a 41-yard run.

2024-25 NFL PLAYOFF ODDS: EACH TEAM’S POTENTIAL TO MAKE THE POSTSEASON

It was a 14-13 game at the time, as Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ offense were making good strides to start this game.

Purdy had three straight hits against Detroit to open it, including a strikeout on rookie Ricky Pearsall on the game’s opening drive. Then, he needed just six plays on the next drive to find Kyle Juszczyk for nine yards and a third touchdown scamper by Purdy for nine yards to make it 21-13.

However, the second half saw the Lions dominate, which has been felt by many teams this season. It started with a quick opening that saw LaPorta reach the end zone from six yards out. But, once again, the 49ers answered with a touchdown of their own as Deebo Samuel found his way into the dirt to restore the lead at 28-21.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with George Kittle (85) after scoring against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. (Kyle Terada-Imagn Photos)

This back-and-forth battle would only derail when one team forced the issue, and it did after Aaron Glenn’s Lions defense made it 28-24 on a Jake Bates field goal.

Kerby Joseph, who now leads the NFL in interceptions this season, picked off a Purdy throw that went over Pearsall’s head. And when Detroit commits turnovers, points usually follow.

That’s when St. Brown’s touchdown, a four-yard catch, came for the Lions, who went on fourth-and-goal to take a 31-28 lead. Subsequent drives saw a 58-yard field goal by Jake Moody followed by another Joseph interception, giving him nine on the year.

The interception proved to be the nail in the coffin as Gibbs, who rushed for 117 yards on just 18 carries, broke off a 30-yard touchdown run to add to the Lions’ offensive attack.

Purdy was eventually injured on the final 49ers drive of the game, but backup Josh Dobbs added to the scoring with a scrambling run to make it 40-34. But an onside kick attempt was recovered by Detroit to keep the game alive.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (IMAGIN)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Looking further into the statistical report, St. Brown led the Lions with eight receptions for 60 yards, while LaPorta finished with 64 yards on six catches.

Purdy would have had a brilliant performance if not for the two interceptions as he was 27-for-35 for 377 yards with three touchdowns. Pearsall had 141 receiving yards, a game high with eight catches, while George Kittle matched his eight receptions for 112 yards. Jauan Jennings also finished with 67 yards on seven catches.

Watch Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.