The Detroit Lions showcased a resilient defense in their thrilling 40-34 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, despite facing significant challenges throughout the game. The Lions' defense, which struggled to force a punt, managed to secure two crucial interceptions from safety Kerby Joseph and benefited from two missed field goals by the 49ers. These pivotal moments were instrumental in maintaining the Lions' lead.
Defensive back Amik Robertson emerged as a standout player, transitioning to an outside cornerback role following Carlton Davis' injury. His performance included a critical forced fumble against Jauan Jennings that helped manage the clock as the first half concluded, along with a key pass breakup that prevented a score in the fourth quarter. Robertson's impressive overall defensive grade of 82.1 made him the highest-graded defensive player for the Lions in a game where many had difficulty performing.
In terms of offensive performance, quarterback Jared Goff led the way with a stellar PFF grade of 87.7, followed closely by running back Jahmyr Gibbs at 86.7. Tight end Sam LaPorta and left guard Graham Glasgow also contributed significantly, while several offensive players struggled, including left tackle Taylor Decker and wide receiver Tim Patrick, who posted the lowest grades on the offensive side.
