Okay, so first of all, if you missed this game, stop what you’re doing and go find a replay. The Detroit Lions pulled off a 40-34 revenge win over the San Francisco 49ers, and it wasn’t just a regular ol’ victory. This was the kind of win that makes you want to shout from the rooftops—or at least tweet something snarky about “any given Sunday.” Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, deserves a parade for this one. Let’s dive into the madness and break down the top takeaways.
1. Goff’s Got It Going On
Jared Goff is doing that thing again where he makes you wonder why the Rams ever let him go. He was ON FIRE in this game, completing 76.5% of his passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. That’s his 42nd career 300-yard game, putting him second only to Patrick Mahomes in that stat for their career span. Mahomes might be the golden boy, but Goff is out here putting on a masterclass in efficiency.
It’s like he’s been sipping some “I’ve still got it” juice every morning. Seriously, this guy is putting the Lions in position to actually dream about a deep playoff run. Did I just jinx it? Probably. Moving on.
2. The Defense Took Its Sweet Time (But Showed Up When It Mattered)
Let’s talk about the first half: It was…bad. The Lions’ defense looked like it had taken a page out of a rom-com script—clueless and full of awkward stumbles. They let the 49ers rack up 21 points with chunk plays galore and little to no pressure on Brock Purdy. At halftime, I was sweating. (Okay, maybe more like panic-Googling “Lions playoff scenarios.”)
But then came the second half. And oh, what a difference! Two interceptions, a couple of sacks, and a missed field goal later, this defense was almost unrecognizable. They allowed just seven meaningful points after halftime (garbage time touchdowns don’t count, sorry not sorry). Aaron Glenn’s halftime adjustments? Chef’s kiss. This guy can coach a defense out of a paper bag—or in this case, a leaky secondary.
3. No Pressure, Then BOOM, Pressure
Here’s the thing: the 49ers’ offensive line was held together by duct tape and vibes. Missing Trent Williams, they should’ve been easy pickings. Instead, the Lions’ defensive line managed just six pressures in the entire first half. SIX.
Cue the second half, and suddenly it was like someone flipped the switch. They racked up 11 pressures and two sacks, including a key one from Myles Adams (more on him later). This kind of turnaround isn’t just coaching—it’s pride. It’s grit. It’s, dare I say, biting kneecaps. Dan Campbell would be proud.
4. Kerby Joseph: The Thief with a Heart of Gold
Kerby Joseph deserves his own highlight reel from this game. He grabbed not one but TWO interceptions—and nearly had a third. The first one got called back because of a defensive pass interference penalty (curse you, Brian Branch!), but Kerby was like, “Oh, you think that’s gonna stop me?” One play later, he snagged it anyway. Iconic.
His second pick? Pure anticipation. This guy is reading quarterbacks like he’s flipping through the latest bestseller. Nine interceptions this season? That’s All-Pro material. Don’t argue with me.
5. More Myles Adams, Please
Let’s give some love to the under-the-radar guys. Myles Adams, a recent Lions pickup, is quietly making a name for himself in limited snaps. Against the 49ers, he got a clutch sack in the fourth quarter, and his energy was contagious. Why aren’t we seeing more of him? Someone send a memo to the coaching staff, stat.
6. Aaron Glenn Deserves a Raise (And Maybe a Statue)
The biggest takeaway from this game? Aaron Glenn is that dude. Adjusting mid-game isn’t easy, especially against an offense as dangerous as San Francisco’s. But Glenn not only stopped the bleeding—he turned the Lions’ defense into a game-changing force. If you weren’t sold on his coaching chops before, this game should do it.
This win was more than just a revenge game. It was a statement. The Lions are legit contenders, and they’ve got the pieces to make a run. Jared Goff is playing like a man possessed, Kerby Joseph is a human highlight reel, and Aaron Glenn might just be the best DC in the league right now.
So yeah, the Lions are for real. Are they Super Bowl-bound? I don’t know, but I’m officially in “why not us?” territory. Someone pass the Kool-Aid.
PS. Kerby for All-Pro. I will die on this hill.
PPS. If the Lions don’t play Myles Adams more next week, we riot.
PPPS. Does anyone else feel like Goff is one Taylor Swift lyric away from becoming a meme? No? Just me? Cool.