NFL
San Francisco 49ers vs Detroit Lions Preview
Date: Sunday, September 16, 2018
Time: 4:05 pm Eastern Time
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Team Records:
San Francisco 49ers 0-1-0
Detroit Lions 0-1-0
This Sunday will see the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions square off at Levi’s Stadium. With the Niners and Lions coming away from week 1 with losses, both teams will be eager to secure a win.
The 49ers are heavy favorites to bounce back from their week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, as this will be their first home game of the season.
San Francisco 49ers
Last Sunday, many predicted the outcome that would be the 49ers week 1 loss. Going up against a serious Super Bowl contender was never going to be an easy task. However, if not for a few missed opportunities by the Niners, the outcome of the game may have been very different.
This week, Jimmy Garoppolo will need to focus on executing those vital plays. Garoppolo overthrew several players throughout the course of the game, resulting in missing out on those valuable TD’s. He also threw 3 interceptions, one of which resulted in a TD for the Vikings. His completion rate was 15-33 with a total of 261 yards.
Likewise, the receivers will need to step up and perform. 49ers receivers struggled on occasion during preseason and this continued last week, with drop balls and fumbles.
Garoppolo spoke during the week detailing his impressions regarding the Lions defense.
“They’re talented. Matty P, they’re a game-plan team.” Garoppolo said. “Across the board, good D-line, they get penetration, they set the edge, fast linebackers and talented secondary. They’re good at every level. We’ll have to come out with a good mindset.”
The 49ers will also need to improve their offense while in the red zone. Following on from last season, the Niners struggled while in the red zone against the Vikings. Achieving only 1 TD from 5 attempts.
The offensive line needs to provide protection to Garoppolo and give him the time to throw. Jimmy was sacked 4 times. With some starters expected to be out of action for Sunday, rookie’s will need to be at their best.
Although off to a shaky start, the 49ers defense played relatively well last week. Deforest Buckner and rookie Fred Warner were stand out players and will need to keep that momentum going into week 2.
Injuries
Marquise Goodwin is questionable for Sunday along with Mike Person, Joshua Garnett and Brock Coyle. Goodwin however, will likely be a game day decision while undrafted rookie Najee Toran is expected to start at right guard.
Detroit Lions
Matt Patricia’s first game as an NFL head coach unfortunately couldn’t have gotten off to a much worse start. The Lions were utterly dominated, going down to the New York Jets 48-17.
QB Matt Stafford’s completion rate was 27-46 for a total of 286 yards with 1 TD. He threw a near career high 4 interceptions. Much like Garoppolo, Stafford will need to improve his passing game this week if the Lions are to have a shot at the win.
Stafford will need help from his receivers and running backs also. The Lions run game, or lack there of, produced a tiny 2.6-yard average per rush against the Jets.
Kenny Golladay may provide that much needed spark the Lions are looking for. He performed well against the Jets with 7 receptions for a total of 114 receiving yards. Star receiver Golden Tate is always a threat and the 49ers defense will need to ensure he has adequate coverage.
Matt Patricia discussed this week’s preparations against the 49ers.
“(We) have to get ready for the 49ers, very complex team, I would say.” Patricia said. “Obviously extremely well-coached. They have extremely good players on their roster, both on the offensive and the defensive side of the ball. Coach Shanahan does a phenomenal job coaching that team and (we’re) obviously going to be walking into an environment out there in California where they’ll be ready to go. They’ll have all cylinders fired up, I’m sure, after their game this past weekend, too. We have a big week in front of us, unfortunately on a short week, so we kind of have to dive right into it and get going.”
The Lions defense allowed rookie Jets QB Sam Darnold to complete 16-21 passes with 2 TD’s. The defense also allowed a total of 169 rushing yards. The Lions will need to apply the pressure to Garoppolo and limit the run game.
Injuries
LaGarrette Blount is questionable along with Ezekial Ansah, Andrew Donnal and T.J. Lang.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 4:05pm ET / 1:05pm PT.
Follow Matt Stephenson On Twitter: @Matt_Stevo49ers
Photo credit to Nazrul Islam via Flickr
