That was probably more uncomfortable than the 49ers were expecting when they went ahead 41-17 with less than 10 minutes to go. A late Lions rally though made Sunday’s season opener at Ford Field extremely interesting.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we know after the 49ers’ victory:
Final score: 49ers 41, Lions 33
(AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)
It was much closer than it needed to be. The 49ers led 41-17 at the two-minute warning of the fourth quarter, but had to hold off an incredible rally by the Lions to secure the victory. Detroit had a chance to tie the game with the ball deep in 49ers territory late.
3 game balls
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1. RB Elijah Mitchell: 19 carries, 104 yards, TD
2. WR Deebo Samuel: 9 receptions, 189 yards, TD
3. QB Jimmy Garoppolo: 17-25, 314 yards, TD, 124.2 rating
Injury notes
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Running back Raheem Mostert left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury and never returned. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw also left the game late in the first half because of a groin injury. He was initially listed as questionable, but didn’t come back in the second half. Cornerback Jason Verrett also exited with a non-contact knee injury. He was quickly ruled out and needed a cart to get up the tunnel.
Three big things
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
1. Not much two-QB: The 49ers used Trey Lance twice on their first extended drive of the game. After that the rookie saw only a couple other snaps. It wasn’t the heavy switching we saw in the preseason finale, and it looked to be a lot of conservative calls with Lance in the game.
2. Rookies show out: Lance threw a touchdown pass, Elijah Mitchell was excellent in relief of Raheem Mostert and scored a touchdown, and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir had a really nice game after getting the start with Emmanuel Moseley out.
3. Wheels come off late: A dominant showing for the 49ers looked less so thanks to a late collapse from San Francisco. They allowed 16 points in the final two minutes with Dontae Johnson and Ambry Thomas in the game. Then Deebo Samuel fumbled the game away after picking up what would’ve been a game-sealing first down.
What's next
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The 49ers will try and regroup now as they head to Philadelphia to face the Eagles. Instead of going back to the West Coast, they’ll stay at the Greenbriar in West Virginia to keep their bodies adapted to East Coast time. The Eagles blew out the Falcons in Atlanta in Week 1.
