By Mummy Grace 
Game Ball and Unsung Hero: Lions Deliver Sweet Revenge Against the 49ers
By Al Karsten, Jan 2, 2025
Alright, Lions fans, how sweet was that?! After last season’s NFC Championship heartbreak, the Detroit Lions rolled into San Francisco and got the job done with a 40-34 victory. Sure, playoff stakes were low, but that didn’t stop the team from showing up and making a statement.
In a classic offensive shootout, the Lions overcame a sluggish defensive start, dropping 23 points in the second half to slam the door on the 49ers. Let’s talk about the standout stars of this revenge match!
Game Ball: Kerby Joseph
Kerby. Freakin’. Joseph.
Look, the offense was electric—again—posting their sixth game with 40+ points and zero turnovers, which is wild. But this week’s game ball has to go to the defense. Specifically, to Joseph, who reminded us all why he’s that guy.
The 49ers came out swinging, scoring touchdowns on three straight drives. It looked like it might be a long night for the Lions’ defense. Enter Kerby Joseph.
Midway through the game, with the 49ers driving at midfield, Brock Purdy gifted Joseph a lob straight into his arms—thank you very much. That pick flipped the script, with the Lions’ offense immediately cashing in on an Amon-Ra St. Brown touchdown to grab their first lead.
But Joseph wasn’t done. Two drives later, the 49ers were knocking again, and Purdy thought he could sneak another one to Ricky Pearsall. Nope. Joseph swooped in like a hawk for his second pick, effectively sealing the game.
Joseph finished with six tackles, two picks, and a huge chunk of momentum for the Lions. Those interceptions? His 8th and 9th of the season, the most in the league and the best by a Lions defender since 1981. Not bad for a guy playing on a banged-up defense.
Unsung Hero: Scottie Montgomery
Shoutout to Scottie Montgomery, the Lions’ assistant head coach and running backs coach. After losing David Montgomery in Week 15, Scottie kept the backfield humming. His group balled out against the 49ers, and that deserves some love.
Jahmyr Gibbs looked unstoppable, racking up 163 yards from scrimmage (second-most of his career). He had 117 rushing yards, a touchdown, and some clutch catches that kept drives alive. But what’s really clicking? His pass protection. Gibbs was out there throwing himself into blitz pick-ups like a seasoned vet.
And let’s not forget Craig Reynolds, the ultimate team player. He added 66 total yards, a couple of first downs, and even made a special teams tackle. Jermar Jefferson didn’t see much action, but his bruising 8-yard run set up the Lions’ first TD of the night.
Scottie Montgomery has this group firing on all cylinders, and it showed in a game where the offense needed every ounce of firepower.
Detroit fans, this wasn’t just a win—it was closure. After last year’s disappointment, the Lions proved they’re still in the hunt for greatness. And with guys like Joseph and Montgomery leading the charge, the sky’s the limit.
So, who’s ready for the playoffs?