Jared Goff Unleashes MVP Magic: Lions QB Delivers Performance for the Ages

The Detroit Lions‘ offensive effort was exceptional, and the defense found a groove in the second half.

After trailing by eight heading into the locker room, the Lions outscored the San Francisco 49ers 27-13 after halftime en route to a 40-34 triumph. It’s the Lions‘ 14th win of the season, and gives the team momentum heading into a regular season finale against Minnesota with the NFC North crown and the No. 1 seed in the postseason on the line.

Here are studs and duds from the Lions’ win over the 49ers on Monday.

STUD: QB Jared Goff

Goff was exceptional for the Lions on Monday, piloting the offense to 40 points and scoring on every drive but one that ended with a turnover on downs inside the 10-yard line and two others that ended with kneel-downs.

He was surgical, completing 26-of-34 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. He made several key throws, including three third-down conversions on their first drive of the second half. One of those throws was a perfectly placed ball up the sideline to Allen Robinson.

The veteran passer threaded the needle to Sam LaPorta for a touchdown to conclude that drive, then gave the team the lead when he connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown on a fourth-and-goal from the 4-yard line.

DUD: LB Ben Niemann

The Lions‘ linebacking corps was exploited in the first half, as the 49ers’ offense was dominant over the middle of the field. Niemann was targeted on a pass to Ricky Pearsall that went for 39 yards, and another earlier in the game that went for 13 yards to Chris Conley.

STUD: WR Jameson Williams

Williams‘ fast start to the game propelled the offense early. The Alabama product scored the team’s first two touchdowns of the game, including a 3-yard run and a 42-yard hook-and-ladder on a pitch from Amon-Ra St. Brown.

The third-year wideout inched closer to 1,000 yards on the season with five catches for 77 yards, leaving him 33 yards shy of the landmark. He continues to become more and more reliable within the offense, and has become a primary target at all levels while leaving no doubt about his ability as one of the fastest players in the league.

DUD: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin

Like Niemann, Reeves-Maybin was on the wrong end of multiple big plays. He missed a tackle in the backfield on a swing pass in the first quarter, then was targeted on a wheel route that went for 40 yards to running back Isaac Guerendo.

In the first half, Brock Purdy threw for 200 yards and the 49ers’ offense dominated. It was a rough showing in the first two quarters, but the defense was able to buckle down and get enough stops to secure the win.

STUD: RB Jahmyr Gibbs

Without David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs has embraced the lead running back role. On Monday, he totaled 163 yards on 22 touches. He was a force from the opening snap, racing to 60 yards on his first six touches.

With his performance Monday, Gibbs has surpassed 1,200 rushing yards in his second NFL campaign.