49ers x Week 16 x These Lions Don't Roar

With week 15 in the books and the 49ers on the short end of the stick, failing to make it to the playoffs for yet another year, the Detroit Lions were in town for the first game of the season that meant virtually nothing to the 49ers. Detroit, the worst defending team in the league played an impressive first half by holding the Niners offense to two field goals, all by the recently acquired rookie kicker - Ricky Schmitt. In his first ever NFL game, Schmitt nailed his first two FG's, before Detroit blocked the third, after being frozen by a Lions' timeout just before the half. Although Detroit's been a quiet team the past few seasons, they lead the league in blocked field goals since 2001 with 17, after adding another one to their list on Sunday.

After half-time with San Francisco leading 6-3, the 49er offense then began to thrive. Tight-End Vernon Davis started it off with a 2-yard touchdown reception, his 12th of season, only one away from tying the NFL record for most touchdowns by a tight-end. Running back Frank Gore then made his presence felt by totaling 152 yards to go along with 1 rushing touchdown. Gore's solid performance led to him reaching the 1,000 yard plateau for the fourth straight season, making him the first RB in franchise history to do so. With San Francisco up by a convincing lead, the 49er defense then began to put in work by forcing 6 turnovers, 3 by way of interceptions and 3 on fumbles. All adding to the 9ers' league leading 21 forced fumbles.

Although it wasn't the most impressive wins over one of the worst teams in the league, Mike Singletary's boys got the job done, 20-6. The win also inches the 49ers from finishing the season with a .500 record for the first time since 2002 as they are now 7-8. Detroit on the other hand, finishes the season 0-8 on the road, as they have now lost 20 straight away from home. For the 49ers in week 17, they'll have the odds on their side as they make a visit to St. Louis to face the Rams for the final game of the season. Even though the game may not mean anything, I keep my pride held high. Go 9ers!