Points, points and more points.
That was the theme of tonight’s game between the 49ers and Lions. Together they scored 74 points. Neither defense was good for most of the game. It was all on offense, which was surprising to see from the 49ers. What isn’t surprising is that they lose thanks to Brock Purdy’s interceptions.
Purdy’s interceptions cost the 49ers in their 40-34 loss to the Lions. Things didn’t start badly for the 49ers. Thanks to Purdy, they were on fire. The first half was an impressive outing for the 49ers offense. Purdy swung it well, George Kittle was balling as always, Deebo Samuel showed up again and rookie Ricky Pearsall tore it up.
Pearsall would finish the game with an incredible statistical line of eight catches for 141 yards and one touchdown. Even the offensive line’s patchwork was solid. It was amazing to see from the offense. The 49ers defense was also okay despite allowing multiple scoring drives, but that might be the best offense in the NFL.
Things looked great for the 49ers coming out of the second half. They showed the life and execution they hadn’t shown for most of the season. However, the mistakes returned later in the second half. The 49ers ran another clinical touchdown score in the third quarter, just like they did in the first half.
Then their momentum faltered due to a Purdy interception. It was a terrible call and an errant throw that sailed over rookie Ricky Pearsall’s head. The Lions would take advantage of Purdy’s mistake by scoring a touchdown to take the lead. All the momentum from the first half was gone and the 49ers offense was starting to look like their usual mediocre selves.
The offensive derailment can be focused solely on Purdy. On the ensuing drive of his interception, he had Jauan Jennings open on an out route, but failed to deliver the ball toward the sideline. The next drive he would throw another blatant interception. It was an interception that might remind some of Jimmy Garoppolo with his ugly ones.
So Purdy was on fire in the first half, but made it futile due to his turnovers and inability to hit Jennings. He single-handedly derailed the 49ers in this game by taking away the momentum and giving everything to the Lions. The 49ers had no chance after Purdy’s second interception, as the Lions would turn it into another touchdown on a Jahmyr Gibbs 30-yard run.
The upside is that the 49ers showed some fight in this game and kept it entertaining for the most part. Losing to the Lions is a good thing in the bigger picture, even if it doesn’t feel good right now. In any case, the real concern lies with Purdy. He has had three straight games with throwing interceptions that cost the 49ers the game.
It will certainly be a talking point for his potential contract extension this offseason. Another topic of discussion will be the retooling of the defense, which is seriously lacking in talent. The front four needs impactful players and the safety position needs an overhaul outside of rookie Malik Mustapha.
Only one game left for the 49ers who are certainly looking forward to winning this season b
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