Gibbs accentuating a shining rookie season
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who just punctuated the Lions' third scoring drive with a 15-yard touchdown scamper, is continuing the trajectory of a stellar rookie campaign.
Drafted 12th in the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Alabama, just the second running back picked, Gibbs made an impact early and often, rushing for more than 940 yards and becoming part of a vaunted Lions rushing attack.
Gibbs' season was highlighted by a 152-yard game against the Las Vegas Raiders — one of two games this season in which he topped 100 yards. Gibbs ended 2023 with the second-most rushing yards among rookie RBs, behind only Atlanta's Bijan Robinson.
Journey to magical land of 'South Detroit' at Lions-49ers game
For at least one song, it’ll be OK to stop believin’ in geography.
Iconic San Francisco band Journey is set play halftime of tonight’s Lions-49ers game and will hopefully play its timeless classic “Don’t Stop Believin.’”
Lions fans will have to cover their ears for the opening lines when it’s said: “Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit.” Of course there is no such thing as “South Detroit,” and if there were, it'd be simply known as "Canada (in the form of Windsor, Ontario)."
Frontman Steve Perry has said “South Detroit” just fit into lyrics and that a tour stop in the Motor City inspired the tune.
The 28 points scored so far in this NFC championship game are already more than the 27 that were scored in the Chiefs-Ravens game.
Lions cash in on interception
Jahmyr Gibbs rumbled into the end zone from 15 yards out as Detroit quickly cashed in the game's first turnover for a 21-7 lead.
The Lions are outgaining the Niners 212-132 in total yards.
Detroit notches first turnover of the game
Brock Purdy, throwing off his back foot, gets his passed tipped by defensive lineman Joshua Paschal — a pass that is then snagged by Detroit's Malcolm Rodriguez.
The interception is the first turnover of the game.
Bay Area law enforcement already bracing for 49ers win
This might be about 50% prudent and 50% overconfident.
Long before the 49ers set foot on the gridiron, Bay Area law enforcement agencies announced they’ll shut down major roads in San Francisco tonight — more than 40 miles north of where the game will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
From 7 p.m. PT to midnight, off-ramps off U.S. Highway 101 and Interstate 280 will be closed in San Francisco in anticipation of rowdy postgame celebrations. The SFPD will also be limiting traffic in the city’s Mission District to control possible out-of-control revelry.
The underdog Lions, of course, hope to do their part to keep the peace in San Francisco with an upset victory.
The Niners get their first stop of the day.
Interesting to see that San Fran stayed in basically its base defense on fourth down. Detroit is known to enjoy a fake punt attempt now and then.
The home team will take over deep in its own territory.
And here come the 49ers
Christian McCaffrey muscled into the end zone from 2 yards out, cutting Detroit's lead to 14-7.
McCaffrey played a huge role on this drive, highlighted by his 28-yard catch-and-run down to Detroit's 5 yard line.
Kyle Juszczyk, the husband of noted designer Kristin Juszczyk, also had a key 23-yard grab.
Lions lead 14-0 after one quarter
Detroit could not have asked for a better start, up 14-0 after just 15 minutes of play.
Jared Goff's offense has rolled up 137 yards and two touchdowns on two possessions.
The Lions are one of four current NFL teams that have never made it to the Super Bowl. The three others are the Cleveland Browns, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans.
The Lions were last NFL champs in 1957; the first Super Bowl, pitting the winners of the NFL against the AFL and then the NFC and the AFC after the leagues merged, didn't take place for another decade.
If this game continues as is, that list will be down to three.