49ers stall in second half, fall 32-17 to Lions

Dec 27, 2015 at 1:35 PM--


The San Francisco 49ers' first offensive play of the game was a short 5-yard pass from QB Blaine Gabbert to WR Anquan Boldin. The completion gave Boldin his 1,000th career reception, a milestone accomplished by only 12 other receivers.

That drive would end up consuming 11 plays and 80 yards and would be capped off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to TE Vance McDonald to give the 49ers an early 7-0 lead.

The Lions converted a fake punt to keep a later drive alive and, very early in the second quarter, the Lions would take a 10-7 lead on a 29-yard touchdown pass to WR T.J. Jones from QB Matthew Stafford. That score capped off a 9-play, 74-yard drive. The 49ers would respond with another touchdown, this time on a 16-yard pass from Gabbert to WR Torrey Smith, giving San Francisco a 14-10 lead.

49ers Torrey Smith's 16-yard touchdown

Later in the quarter, a fumble by Gabbert at the 49ers' 1-yard line would result in an easy 1-yard touchdown run by Lions RB Joique Bell, putting Detroit up 17-14.

After an earlier missed field goal attempt, San Francisco would tie things up 17-17 following a late successful field goal by K Phil Dawson, but a quick drive and a 38-yard field goal by Lions K Matt Prater would put Detroit up 20-17 going into the half. The 49ers' 17 first half points would exceed the their season road average of 15.3 points per game and Gabbert would go into the locker room with a 130.3 passer rating at halftime.


The 49ers offense would stall in the second half. While the third quarter saw only a field goal by Detroit, in the fourth, Stafford found WR Calvin Johnson in the end zone to put the Lions up 29-17 after a failed two-point conversion. It was a big play for the home crowd who may have seen Johnson play in his final home game at Ford Field.

A late field goal by Detroit would give them the 32-17 victory, improving their record to 6-9. Long eliminated from the playoffs, the Lions have now won five of their last seven after starting the season winning just one of their first seven games.


Gabbert would finish the game 22 of 33 for 225 yards, two touchdowns, and a 106.3 passer rating. McDonald would lead the 49ers in receiving with 61 yards on five catches, including one of Gabbert's touchdowns. Newly signed RB DuJuan Harris finished the game with 73 yards on 11 carries. He would add 11 yards with his lone reception. LB Ahmad Brooks led the defense in sacks with 1.5.

While the 49ers offense had 265 yards in the first half, they had just 57 in the second.


For Detroit, Stafford would complete 29 of his 37 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson would lead the Lions in receiving with 77 yards on six receptions, including a touchdown. The Lions defense would bring Gabbert down three times.

Jim Tomsula Reacts to Week 16 Loss 

In May at the NFL owners' meetings, 49ers CEO Jed York said that he expected the 49ers to go 11-5 this season. Instead of 11 wins, the 49ers have now recorded their 11th loss of the season with just four victories. San Francisco will complete their disastrous 2015 season having lost seven of their eight road games. For the second week in a row, the television announcing team speculated that 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula would be returning in 2016.

The 49ers will finish the season by hosting the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, January 3rd at Levi's Stadium.

Injuries

DT Quinton Dial left the game with a back injury and was questionable to return.

DE Arik Armstead had trainers looking at his right ankle late in the fourth quarter. Following the game, Armstead said that x-rays were negative.

Player Quotes

LB NaVorro Bowman said that he told teammates who were jumping offsides to watch the ball "about 50 or 60 times."

Related News





Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

Charvarius Ward willing to help 49ers land Tre'Davious White

By David Bonilla
Mar 18

The San Francisco 49ers likely aren't finished fortifying their defense and have reportedly expressed interest in bolstering their defensive backfield. If they require assistance making a significant move, one 49ers player is prepared to lend a helping hand. Last week, the Buffalo Bills released All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White, who appears to be an ideal fit for San Francisco's needs opposite Charvarius Ward. Over the weekend, Ward took to social media to reveal that he and White share the same agent and that he is willing to nudge the free-agent defensive back in the right direction. Ward described White as a "hand in glove


placeholder image

49ers signing QB Josh Dobbs to a 1-year deal

By David Bonilla
Mar 18

The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their quarterback room by adding a new player. According to his agent, Mike McCartney, the team is signing Josh Dobbs to a one-year deal. McCartney announced the news on social media, confirming the acquisition. Congrats @josh_dobbs1 agreeing to a 1 year deal with the @49ers— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 18,


placeholder image

No Huddle Podcast: What Are The 49ers' Plans For The Future?

By Site Staff
Mar 19

(Episode 322) — Al Sacco and Brian Renick react to the Zach Wilson rumors, what the 49ers should look for in QB2, negative Al speaks up, how the offensive side of the ball is complete for now, replacing all of the superstars will be a challenge, why the 49ers need to draft well this year and next, and more. Note: This episode was recorded before news of Josh Dobbs' signing. The audio for the show is embedded above. Remember to subscribe! You can listen to the latest "No Huddle Podcast" episode above, from our dedicated podcast page, on


placeholder image

5 things to know about new 49ers QB Joshua Dobbs

By Kirk Larrabee
Mar 18

Joshua Dobbs became the latest addition to the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback room after agreeing to a one-year contract with the team on Monday. Dobbs, 28, has 2,920 passing yards in 21 games (14 starts) with 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in seven NFL seasons. He also has 91 carries for 496 yards and six rushing touchdowns and a 3-11 record overall as a starter. Dobbs comes to 49ers as a well-traveled NFL veteran who most recently was with the Minnesota Vikings. But Dobbs isn't any ordinary NFL quarterback. Let's take a look at what to know about him as he begins his time with the 49ers. The Joshua Dobbs "world tour" reaches San Francisco The 49ers are Dobbs' eighth team since joining the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick of


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone