San Francisco 49ers vs Detroit Lions Live Stream
San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions Analysis
There are always a lot of reasons to support the San Francisco 49ers. Even though Brock Purdy wasn’t at his best last weekend (and that’s probably an understatement), the 49ers found a way. Why? Because they’re too damn talented. At every level, GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have built a championship roster. We saw that plainly and clearly last Saturday, when individual Niners made big plays to keep their team in the game. Stream east nfl To Purdy’s credit, he was at his best on San Francisco’s final drive — a 12-play, 69-yard march that took more than 5 minutes late in the fourth quarter — leaving Jordan Love and the Packers barely more than 60 seconds to try and garner a comeback. You know how the rest of the story goes.
It all ended well for the NFC’s #1 seed, but that doesn’t mean I’m not concerned. 2022’s “Mr. Irrelevant” lived up to his name on Saturday, looking blatantly confused on early passing plays and air-mailing his receivers more times than anyone could count. Purdy ended with a respectable 23 completions and Streameast 49ers live 252 yards, but the moment seemed awfully big for him. Bettors forget that he’s never played at this stage. Last season’s ascent to relevancy had to be fun for the guy, and it probably felt like he was playing with house money. But this year is different. Purdy has expectations on him, a heavy pressure to calmly lead his team through adversity while performing at the highest level possible, and he’s doing it for a roster that’s dying to finally win a Super Bowl. The 24-year-old is a mature kid, but that would be a lot for anyone to handle — even the most veteran QBs.
Now, it’s worth noting a few obvious things. The Niners lost Deebo Samuel early against the Packers. If Samuel can suit up this Sunday (there’s a 50/50 chance, apparently), he’ll make a huge difference. He’s arguably the most talented player on their offense, and it was obvious how much thestreameast niners they missed him in key moments last weekend. Purdy also hasn’t thrown well in inclement weather, and his defenders will say that his small hands struggle with a slick ball. Okay…not ideal for a franchise QB. Luckily for Purdy, Santa Clara will be sunny and in the 60s this weekend — a much better scenario for productive offense.
Meanwhile, Jared Goff and the Lions don’t have or need the same excuses. We saw some inefficiency from their defense last Sunday, but overall the Lions have been clutch when the moment is biggest. It should be clear to everyone now that head coach Dan Campbell’s culture is working, and Detroit has played with the aggression and moxie of a championship team because of it. The Divisional Round was a showcase of how far this franchise has come.
Goff was surgical (30-for-43, 287 yards, 2 TDs on Sunday), their run-game was effective in big spots and their defense made plays when it mattered. It was the same energy we saw in the Lions’ Week 1 victory over the Chiefs, or in their Week 18 win over the Packers’ last season, when they booted their rival out of playoff contention. Campbell’s team is built to play at their best in the toughest moments; I expect more of the same on Sunday.
Streameast 49ers or Thestreameast Niners
The 49ers are a massive upgrade in competition from the Bucs, but Goff has been here before — conceivably 1 over-throw away from a Super Bowl win 6 years ago. We also know Campbell is an effective motivator, someone who has his men fighting hard and always battle ready. We can’t say that about Kyle Shanahan. Genius play caller? Probably. But we’ve seen the 49ers crack in the playoffs before, not to mention on a tough road trip (aka “adversity”) and 3-game losing streak earlier this season. I trust Purdy will play well, but will he play so well that Goff and an explosive Lions offense can’t keep up? Even if Samuel plays, I think not.