The Detroit Lions vs San Francisco 49ers was a high-drama, high-stakes game that provided both excitement and individual performances. It was not the typical game of the regular season as this much-anticipated clash held significant playoff implications and kept the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game.
Whether it was offensive explosiveness or defensive game-changing plays, the two teams gave a statistical show worth analyzing. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Detroit Lions vs 49ers match player stats, spotlighting who truly made the biggest impact on the field.
Game Summary
Detroit won a Week 17 dramatic game at Levi Stadium 40-34 over San Francisco, ending a 14-game road losing streak and finishing 8-0 on the road. Having been down 21-13 at halftime, Detroit rallied in the third quarter with a Goff-to-LaPorta touchdown and a 2-point conversion to tie the game.
The Lions took advantage of two important Brock Purdy interceptions given by Kerby Joseph, which resulted in critical points in the fourth. San Francisco fought back, however, it was already too late as Joshua Dobbs scored a TD run. This encounter was a rematch of their NFC Championship match and it served to strengthen the strength of Detroit and illustrate the toughness of SF.
Detroit Lions Player Stats & Performance
Quarterback: Jared Goff
Completions/Attempts: 26/34
Passing Yards: 303
Touchdowns: 3
Interceptions: 0
Goff was composed with a completion percentage of 76.5 and three touchdown drives. He was instrumental in the Lions second-half comeback.
Top Rusher: Jahmyr Gibbs
Carries: 18
Rushing Yards: 117
Receiving Yards: 46
Total Yards: 163
Touchdowns: 1
Gibbs proved himself to be a dual threat, making a real impact both on the ground and through the air. His 117 rushing yards were paired with 46 receiving yards highlighting his ability to do it all.
Top Receiver: Jameson Williams
Receptions: 4
Receiving Yards: 77
Touchdowns: 2
Williams was impressive as he caught two TDs with one being a 51-yard reception showcasing his deep-threat ability.
Defensive Standouts
Kerby Joseph (Safety): 2 interceptions, 9 return yards
Alex Anzalone (Linebacker): 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 tackle for loss
Brian Branch (Safety): 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack
The interceptions of Joseph played a vital role in stopping the momentum of 49ers whereas Anzalone and Branch were solid defenders who made plays regularly.
San Francisco 49ers Player Stats & Performance
Quarterback: Brock Purdy
Completions/Attempts: 27/35
Passing Yards: 377
Touchdowns: 3
Interceptions: 2
Rushing Touchdown: 1
Passer Rating: 116.0
Purdy had an outstanding first half with a perfect passer rating. But two interceptions in the second half were costly to the 49ers as they stopped the momentum and led to the defeat.
Top Receiver: Ricky Pearsall
Receptions: 6
Receiving Yards: 141
Touchdowns: 1
The rookie wide receiver demonstrated his potential by breaking out with a 100 yards receiving performance, leading the team in receiving yards, and scoring a touchdown. His performance gave some light to a rather difficult season.
Top Tight End: George Kittle
Receptions: 8
Receiving Yards: 112
Kittle reached 1,000 receiving yards for the season, and remains a trusted catch in the passing attack.
Defensive Standouts
Nick Bosa (DE): 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss
Fred Warner (LB): 3 tackles, 1 pass deflection
The presence of Bosa in the backfield and the leadership of Warner in the middle of the defense played a significant role in curbing the offensive output of Lions.
Special Teams
Jake Moody (K): Missed 2 field goals and 1 extra point
The special teams played a key role in the game as Moody missed kicks that could have won the game.
Quarterback Comparison: Jared Goff vs. Brock Purdy
Jared Goff (Lions): Completed 26 of 34 passes for 303 yards and 3 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 132.4.
Brock Purdy (49ers): Threw for 377 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 rushing touchdown, but also had 2 interceptions.
Goff was effective and made critical decisions that helped the Lions to come back in the second half. Purdy had a good start, but his performance was ruined by turnovers and an elbow injury.
Rushing Battle: Lions vs. 49ers
Lions: Rushed for 152 yards on 33 carries (4.6 avg).
49ers: Managed 75 yards on 18 carries (4.2 avg).
Jahmyr Gibbs topped the Lions in the running game with 117 yards on the ground and 46 yards catching.
Defensive Clashes: Lions vs. 49ers
Lions: Kerby Joseph recorded 2 interceptions, both leading to touchdowns.
49ers: Nick Bosa had 2 sacks, but the defense allowed 439 total yards and struggled in the second half.
The defense of the Lions took advantage of the turnovers, whereas the defense of the 49ers was not able to keep the pressure in the second half.
Final Word
A high-stakes game featured a tight performance by the Detroit Lions with the outstanding plays of Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Kerby Joseph, and the initial brilliance of the 49ers was crushed in the pressure of the second half. Whether it was game-changing interceptions or explosive scoring drives, all the stats were telling a clear story of grit and momentum. The Detroit Lions vs 49ers match player stats ultimately reveal how discipline, depth, and timely plays decided the thrilling 40–34 outcome in Detroit’s favor.
