After an embarrassing first half performance that coach Kyle Shanahan described as futile, many San Francisco 49ers fans thought their season had come to an end.
But a series of fortunate bounces helped turn the tables. Safety Tashaun Gipson stripped Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs during their next series and Arik Armstead recovered it at their 24. Four plays later Christian McCaffrey plunged from 1-yard out for a 1-yard plunge that tied up the score.
Elijah Mitchell’s 3-yard TD run
Mitchell was pivotal to San Francisco’s comeback victory on Sunday. The backup running back scored twice during the fourth quarter to help seal their spot in a Super Bowl rematch with Kansas City Chiefs.
As Brock Purdy led his 49ers on an extended drive to tie the game, Mitchell finished it off by breaking through Lions defense for their third touchdown run of the night and giving San Francisco their first lead of the evening. It marked an astonishing 17-point comeback victory.
Mitchell only saw eight offensive snaps Sunday, but Kyle Shanahan could turn to him in Week 13 against Philadelphia as an important game-time option – making him an excellent fantasy option in deeper leagues if this occurs.
Tashaun Gipson’s fumble recovery
The 49ers defense was gashed for nearly 300 yards in the first half and seemed doomed for another blowout loss. Luckily, safety Tashaun Gipson made a key play during the second quarter to keep things competitive for his team; knocking loose the ball from Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs before defensive end Arik Armstead recovered it and scored.
Bruck Purdy and Christian McCaffrey will likely get most of the credit for the 49ers’ remarkable comeback, but Gipson deserves just as much praise for making it possible. A veteran presence in their secondary, Gipson signed a one-year deal to come back to San Francisco in 2022 after collecting 61 tackles, 8 pass defensed passes, and five interceptions during 17 games this season.
49ers Nick Moody’s 33-yard field goal
After an arduous first half, the 49ers took an important step toward winning the NFC Championship when Moody kicked a 33-yard field goal to give themselves some breathing room after Detroit attempted an on fourth down at San Francisco’s 28 yard line but failed. This kick provided relief after Detroit attempted fourth down but failed.
Gipson’s fumble recovery proved crucial on the next drive when Brock Purdy connected with Brandon Aiyuk on a 25-yard pass slant for third down at 43-yard line, prompting Gipson’s heroic recovery effort.
Gipson dislodged Gibbs from a run, which allowed Arik Armstead to recover the ball on the next play and set up McCaffrey’s 1-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 24 before Moody kicked a long field goal that put San Francisco ahead 27-24.
Elijah Thompson’s 1-yard TD run
After an uneven first half in which Detroit established an early 17-point advantage, San Francisco came storming back in the second. They scored on each of their first five possessions to take control of the game – culminating in Jake Moody making an outstanding 33-yard field goal with 9:52 remaining and giving San Francisco their first win of 2018.
Christian McCaffrey’s two-yard scoring run 71 seconds into the second quarter signalled the beginning of an unbelievable comeback for the San Francisco 49ers that culminated in their 34-31 victory over Detroit Lions and an invitation to Super Bowl LIII against Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs next February.
Brock Purdy was incredible in the second half, connecting on 20 of 31 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns – all while throwing lethal accuracy all across the field! Additionally, he gained 51 yards on foot.
Brandon Aiyuk’s 51-yard reception
With the game tied at 30-30 in the third quarter, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy sent a deep pass to Brandon Aiyuk which struck against both hands and facemask of Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor before falling into Aiyuk’s grasp for an easy 51-yard reception.
That play was exactly what San Francisco needed, and it proved instrumental in their comeback effort. On Detroit’s next play from scrimmage, Jahmyr Gibbs fumbled and Christian McCaffrey scored from 1-yard out.
Aiyuk’s miraculous catch marks just the latest chapter of an impressive NFL veteran who’s found success by seizing opportunities and taking calculated risks. His open reflections highlight the value of self-awareness as well as finding transformative moments on the football field.
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