The San Francisco 49ers beat the Detroit Lions 41-33 on Sunday, and at times, were dominant. That's the good news.
The bad news? Rather than blowing out the Lions, like it looked like they were going to, they let the team from the Motor City back into the game, almost losing the lead.
The worst news? More injuries, including a season ending injury to their best cornerback, Jason Verrett, as well injuries that knocked Raheem Mostert and Dre Greenlaw out of the game. The 49ers need Greenlaw and Mostert, so hopefully they won't be out long.
Here are my 13 emotionally-influenced observations, that I'm probably making too quickly, from Sunday's game.
1. The defense did not look great today, even before the injuries. But it was the first game for a new defensive coordinator. It will rebound.
2. Verrett is out for the season. I feel bad for him…and scared for the 49ers. Will they sign someone, or go with who they have?
3. Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, and this group of linebackers give me hope that the defense can still be very good.
4. Did Arik Armstead retire? I feel like he made very little impact.
5. Will Mostert ever be healthy? He is so explosive and valuable when he is.
6. Brandon Aiyuk is doing his best Dante Pettis imitation (Promising rookie season; dog house the following season).
7. Speaking of Aiyuk, has Trent Sherfield passed him on the depth chart? He seemed to today.
8. Elijah Mitchell may be Kyle Shanahan's next star running back.
9. Deebo Samuel is the best wide receiver on this team. And it's not close.
10. The 49ers offensive line is better this season than in previous years. If it can stay healthy, this offense could be deadly.
11. That late comeback by the Lions? That is why you don't start pulling starters too early.
12. Jimmy Garoppolo was really good…and yet some still blamed him for almost losing.
13. In 2020, if the 49ers lost the turnover battle, they lost the game. Today, they lost the turnover battle and still managed to win the game. That has to mean something, right?
I believe in this team. I think next Sunday it will be focused, prepared and angry. You've been warned, Philly.
- Marc Adams
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Written by:Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
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