The San Francisco 49ers defense has essentially suffocated Matthew Stafford in the early going, allowing only four of his fist 10 passes to be completed while jumping out to a 14-6 lead as the second quarter began.
The 49ers defense imposed their will on the Lions explosive offense from the opening kick, forcing a three-and-out on their first position. Alex Smith and company then proceeded to find pay dirt in quick and efficient fashion, with plays of 29 and 17 yards before Vernon Davis wrangled in a 21-yard touchdown pass.
The Lions were set nicely by a questionable 33-yard pass interference call against CB Chris Culliver on their following drive but still couldn't get anything more than a 38-yard Jason Hanson field goal.
Detroit would also get a break on the corresponding kickoff when Kendall Hunter fumbled the return at the San Francisco 25 yard line. The 49ers defense would hold strong to force another three-and-out but Hanson still was able to tack on another field goal, this time from 41 yards away.
The 49ers defensive continued their reign on the Lions next drive with FS Dashon Goldson intercepting Matthew Stafford and returning it 20 yards. A bad snap on third down looked it might stall the drive but running into the kicker penalty from CB Drayton Florence would give the 49ers another chance.
The quarter would end as Smith attempted an endzone pass to WR Randy Moss with the play clock seemingly sitting at 0:00. The replacement refs allowed the play to happen, calling pass interference on Jacob Lacey to set the Niners up at the one-yard line.
Following the penalty, RB Frank Gore powered in the touchdown to make it 14-6 at start of the second quarter.
Stick with this StoryStream for updates, scores and more from the Lions vs. 49ers game. For more insight and analysis, check out 49ers blog Niners Nation. For the perspective from Detroit, check out Lions blog Pride of Detroit.