Story by
Dan Campbell doesn't rest Detroit Lions starters in meaningless game vs. 49ers
- Story by
- Dan Campbell doesn't rest Detroit Lions starters in meaningless game vs. 49ers
Dan Campbell is a man of his word.
The Detroit Lions coach said that he would be playing his starters on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers , and that's what they did to open the game.
Advertisement
Campbell indicated during the week that whether or not the Minnesota Vikings won or lost in Week 17, the Lions would be going to California to try and win and not worry about resting starters.
From quarterback Jared Goff down, that proved to be true.
Despite the starters being on the field, the already-beat-up Lions defense allowed a score on the first drive of the game, but Goff and Co. quickly responded with a touchdown drive of their own.
Jake Bates ' extra point attempt was blocked, so the Lions trailed, 7-6.
ESPN analyst Troy Aikman continued to harp on the fact that the Lions decided not to rest some starters, particularly after some big hits.
Advertisement
Aikman went as far as calling the Lions "a tired football team."
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) shakes hands with teammates before warm up before the game between San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
The Lions did not get the result they were looking for on Sunday when the Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers and took away any chance for the Lions to lock up the NFC North and the 1-seed before the Week 18 showdown.
That means whoever comes out on top between the Lions and Vikings at Ford Field on Sunday Night Football next week will take home the big-three combination of a division title, homefield advantage throughout the playoffs and of course, a first-round bye.
WHO WAS OUT PREGAME: Detroit Lions vs San Francisco 49ers inactives: Hendon Hooker still the No. 2 QB
Advertisement
The Lions of course saw their season end last year at the hands of the 49ers in the very same place they were playing Monday, blowing a 24-7 halftime lead in an eventual loss that cost them a chance at their first ever Super Bowl appearance. But this is not the same 49ers team.
Perhaps the only team across the NFL who has been more decimated by injuries than the Lions is the 49ers, as they've been hit with key injuries on both sides of the ball.
So ultimately, the idea of sweet, sweet revenge was very appealing to Campbell and the Lions , despite what is on the line in a huge showdown against the Vikings in Week 18.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dan Campbell plays Detroit Lions starters in meaningless game vs 49ers
