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San Francisco 49ers look forward to hosting the Detroit Lions in week two

By Frank Yien

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after passing the ball in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after passing the ball in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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The San Francisco 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo look forward to their matchup against the Detroit Lions, who were embarrassed on Monday night by the NY Jets

The San Francisco 49ers, as noted before, showed they can put up a good fight against an elite team but wound up on the losing end against the Minnesota Vikings in week one.

For week two, if ever a situation were perfect for the 49ers to notch their first victory of the season, this would be it. The Niners will play the Detroit Lions.

How perfect is it? Let us count the ways.

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  1. The Detroit Lions played on Monday night, so they have a short week to prepare.
  2. They have to travel cross-country to play the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.
  3. The Lions got blown out 48-17 at home by the New York Jets, who were led by rookie quarterback Sam Darnold playing in his first game.
  4. Detroit’s offense was offensive. QB Matthew Stafford threw four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and his replacement Matt Cassel threw an interception in the fourth quarter.
  5. Detroit’s defense was indefensible. They allowed the 21 year old QB Darnold to complete 76% of his passes and two touchdowns.
  6. Detroit’s special teams were anything but. They gave up a 78-yard punt return by Andre Roberts for a touchdown, and the usually reliable Matt Prater missed two field goals.
  7. After the game, the Jets claimed they knew exactly what plays the Lions were calling before each play. They were catching Stafford’s hand signals at the line.
  8. New Lions coach Matt Patricia had no answer for the Jets onslaught. Having served as Bill Belichick‘s defensive coordinator for the past six years with the New England Patriots, Patricia is supposed to help return some pride to the Lions after years of Michigan misery.
  9. Fun fact: Detroit has not beaten San Francisco on the road since 1975.

Despite these advantages, coach Kyle Shanahan‘s 49ers will still need to bring their best game to ensure a victory.

Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo will be looking to regain the form he showed at the end of last season. At times last week against the Vikings, he was slow in going through his progressions. And when he misses his receivers, he tends to miss high, as was evidenced last week.

Next. 49ers: missed opportunities in week one loss. dark

Four 49er players suffered injuries against the Vikings and may not be available for week two. Both right guard Mike Person and his backup Joshua Garnett suffered foot injuries.

Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin suffered a thigh bruise, and linebacker Brock Coyle is in concussion protocol.

The Lions suffered two injuries of note. Running back LeGarrette Blount (knee) and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) both left Monday’s game early and may not be available for week two.